#United Kingdom #NIEUWEGEIN #BURL Concepts #PFO Detection #FOQUS Ultrasound

BURL Concepts Introduces FOQUS™ for PFO Detection

BURL Concepts has made a significant stride in medical technology with their innovative FOQUS™ ultrasound system, designed for the rapid detection of patent foramen ovale (PFO), a heart condition that can lead to cryptogenic stroke. The first human applications occurred recently in the Netherlands and the UK, marking a notable advancement in the field.

A Unique Diagnostic Approach

The FOQUS system offers a unique method of scanning the entire brain within just 40 seconds, all without sedation. This non-invasive test allows for the evaluation of emboli—small clots or air bubbles in the bloodstream—enabling healthcare professionals to determine the presence of a PFO efficiently. Typically, this condition occurs when a hole between the heart's left and right atria fails to close after birth, which is present in approximately 40-50% of patients suffering from unexplained strokes.

The procedure involves the administration of saline and oxygen microbubbles through a venous injection. FOQUS then monitors the brain to identify the presence of these microbubbles, indicating the existence of a PFO. Such rapid testing is conducted in physician's offices or diagnostic centers by a trained nurse, removing the need for a cardiologist or anesthesiologist on-site, which traditionally has been the case.

Clinical Insights from Leading Cardiologists

Dr. Martin Swaans, a cardiologist at St. Antonius Ziekenhuis in Nieuwegein (NL), expressed optimism about the FOQUS system's potential. He emphasized its ability to simplify and accelerate PFO evaluations, thereby making the identification of candidates for closure procedures more efficient. This streamlined testing could significantly reduce the risk of recurrent strokes in patients previously diagnosed with cryptogenic strokes.

In the UK, Dr. Nick Palmer from The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital also praised the system's effectiveness. The successful implementation of FOQUS could facilitate preliminary PFO testing in multiple locations prior to patients undergoing closure treatment, reducing waiting lists for such procedures. His enthusiasm for FOQUS’s automated capabilities suggests it might transform how quickly patients receive critical diagnoses.

A New Era in Point of Care Testing

The FOQUS ultrasound system is powered by the SONAS® technology, which is poised to shift PFO testing from hospital settings to points of care, ideally suited for outpatient environments. This ensures broader access to crucial diagnostic tools, thus enabling healthcare providers to evaluate a larger patient population effectively.

Peter van der Sluis, the CEO of BURL Concepts, highlighted the potential of FOQUS to revolutionize access to PFO testing, similar to how cardiac arrhythmia assessments have moved increasingly to outpatient settings. He anticipates significant improvements in patient evaluation speed through this automated diagnostic tool.

The company is eager to expand FOQUS's reach, with plans to launch the device in the US and throughout Europe later this year. “By facilitating rapid and efficient testing, FOQUS allows physicians to evaluate and identify suitable candidates for PFO closure mechanisms earlier in the care pathway,” van der Sluis conveyed.

About BURL Concepts

BURL Concepts, founded with the mission to enhance medical diagnostics, strives to create scalable, accessible healthcare solutions focusing on brain perfusion assessment and PFO detection. Their advancements aim to improve clinician capabilities while ensuring timely and effective patient care. Their ambition is to simplify the healthcare process and increase the accuracy of diagnoses, ultimately improving patient outcomes. For more information on their innovative technologies and products, visit www.burlconcepts.com.