Department of Defense Awards $5.6 Million Grant to Senseer Health Inc. for Innovative Hydrocephalus Shunt Monitoring Technology
Living with hydrocephalus can be incredibly challenging. Recognizing the urgent need to transform how we diagnose and manage hydrocephalus shunt failures, the Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded Senseer Health Inc. $5.6 million to develop an innovative device. This funding, through the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), will support the pioneering study “Multimodal Diagnostic Microsensors for Monitoring Hydrocephalus Shunt Status.”
Dr. Sascha Lee, CEO of Senseer Health Inc., is leading this innovative study. At the heart of the research is the MultiSense microsensor, a device designed to monitor CSF flow in real time. Unlike current diagnostic methods, which rely on CT scans and fluid draws that come with risks of radiation exposure, pain, and infection, MultiSense offers a non-invasive, wireless solution. Integrated into existing shunt systems during replacement or revision surgery, the sensor provides continuous, real-time data on CSF flow, allowing for quicker and more accurate assessments of shunt function.
For patients with hydrocephalus, this could be a game-changer. Continuous monitoring means fewer hospital visits, less invasive testing, and a significant reduction in the stress and uncertainty that come with shunt failures. The ability to quickly diagnose issues and intervene before they become severe can vastly improve quality of life for both patients and caregivers, providing a more stable and manageable care routine.
“The Hydrocephalus Association’s advocacy for the continued inclusion of hydrocephalus as a condition eligible for funding under the CDMRP has given scientists access to millions of dollars of funding for research into the causes, treatments, and cures for hydrocephalus,” said Amanda Garzon, Chief Operations Officer of the Hydrocephalus Association.
“Each year the association works with champions in the United States Senate to ensure the inclusion of hydrocephalus in the Defense Appropriations bill. The impact of MultiSense extends beyond individual patient care. The data gathered by the sensor could offer new insights into why shunts fail, potentially leading to better treatments and prevention strategies in the future. Healthcare providers will also benefit, as a more accurate and rapid diagnostic tool can improve patient outcomes and reduce overall costs associated with hydrocephalus management.”
Dr. Lee highlights the benefits of the new technology: “MultiSense captures critical flow rate information, enabling quicker, more precise diagnoses. This not only saves time and costs but also reduces the stress and uncertainty for patients and their caregivers.”
The DOD’s investment in this research underscores the importance of advancing medical technology to address the needs of those living with hydrocephalus. The development of the MultiSense microsensor by Senseer Health Inc. brings hope to patients and their families, offering the potential for fewer complications and a better quality of life.