Telestroke Eye Examination Device

Project ID: D2019-08

Background:

With the unprecedented Covid19 outbreak, Telehealth's need is more than ever, and the expected Telehealth market is at $72 billion by 2027. With the rise of 5G network technology, doctors are now able to perform telesurgery uninterrupted and seamless. Currently, ischemic stroke is the leading cause of adult disability, and the current situation has made it worsen as doctors find it challenging to treat patients. Moreover, some strokes are present with visual symptoms or vertigo with visual disturbances. While remote treating of stroke patients is gaining traction, a reliable device that can effectively assess posterior circulation is not available. Thus, there is a need for new and improved devices for evaluating patients for stroke symptoms remotely.
 

Invention Description:

Neurology researchers at the University of Toledo have developed a novel Telestroke eye examination device for accurately assessing visual fields and monitoring eye movements without relying on a person at the bedside of the patient. The novel device consists of a custom made head-mounted eye gear with a camera pointed towards the eyes of the wearer and allows the practitioner to remotely assess a patient’s field of vision without the help from a person to observe the patient’s eye movements. Additionally, a mobile application will aid the practitioner to control the cameras, control light synchronization, collect live data on eye movement, and act as a wireless communication between the accessory device and the practitioner. The novel device can also work with existing Telestroke apps and software.
 

Application:

Treatment of acute ischemic stroke remotely.
 

Advantages:

• The novel tool can act as a detection tool for emergency medical respondents in ambulance, hospital ER, transport helicopters.
• The accompanied software is compatible with existing Telestroke apps.
• The novel device eliminates the need of CT technician, nurse, emergency staff as the neurologists can directly see the patient information through mobile app.
• The novel device allows patients who are away from a Stroke center to remotely access stroke specialists who can evaluate their symptoms in real-time with less reliance on bedside personnel for assistance.

​​​​​​IP Status:  Patent Pending