| Project Detail |
The ERC Cog ResolveStroke has led to the development of a new imaging device, based on super-resolution ultrasound, which can assess ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke through the observation of the smallest blood vessels which are invisible to other medical imaging modalities. This StrokeScanner is currently being demonstrated in a large models before being applied to human studies at the end of the project. Its remarkable results have led to the creation of a startup (Resolve Stroke) which conceives a portable and 3D super-resolution ultrasound scanner to improve access to neuroimaging for stroke patients.
In particular, there is a dire need to monitor the cerebral blood flows at the patient’s bedside after the acute phase. Delayed cerebral ischemia arises in a third of all patients suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage (about 800 000 cases worldwide per year). Transcranial doppler is used to explore large vessel circulation but is blind to fine vascular alterations.
We believe that ultrasound super resolution could bring a new diagnostic tool to help patients and physicians, with a resolution and sensitivity comparable to CT Angiography on a device smaller than a carry-on luggage.
The goal of the ERC POC StrokeMonitor is to establish the performance and usefulness of this approach to monitor Delayed Cerebral Ischemia. The demonstration will be performed both in models and in human patients. A model of subarachnoid hemorrhage will be imaged over several days to determine the dynamic of the microcirculation alterations. A clinically-validated StrokeScanner will then be tested on SAH patients at CHU de Caen to identify biomarkers of delayed cerebral ischemia in hemorrhagic stroke patients.
Through this ERC POC StrokeMonitor, we will extend the applicability of the Strokescanner in neurovascular units in hospitals to help patients’ follow-up and generate stronger proof of ultrasound super-resolution for neuroimaging |
