RIVANNA Secures $3 Million Grant to Advance Ultrasound Technology for Military Spinal Care

RIVANNA's Innovative Step Towards Military Medical Advancement

In a significant development for military healthcare, RIVANNA®, known for pioneering imaging-based medical technologies, has secured a grant of $3 million from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). This funding is aimed at developing a military-optimized ultrasound guidance system, specifically tailored for spinal interventions over a period of three years.

Addressing a Major Healthcare Challenge

Every year, around 150,000 personnel in the United States armed forces suffer from back pain and spinal injuries, resulting in approximately 6 million limited-duty days and a staggering $2 billion in costs. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) have been recognized as an effective treatment option, enabling service members to return to duty more swiftly. Effective delivery of these injections necessitates precise real-time imaging guidance, traditionally provided by x-ray fluoroscopy. However, this technology presents a series of challenges in forward-deployed military settings due to its size, cost, and the requirement for specialized facilities.

Due to these obstacles, many military personnel face delays in treatment and costly evacuations to access advanced imaging capabilities. Therefore, RIVANNA aims to address this pressing need by developing the Accuro® 3S-MIL system, focusing on enhancing the speed and effectiveness of spinal care in our armed forces.

Collaboration for Innovation

RIVANNA will collaborate closely with military healthcare experts to bring the Accuro 3S-MIL to fruition. This project will be conducted in partnership with The Geneva Foundation, a leading non-profit organization that facilitates the Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness (MIRROR) program. This initiative, backed by the Defense Health Agency, is focused on improving the management of non-combat-related musculoskeletal injuries.

Linzie Wagner, Senior Manager of the MIRROR program at The Geneva Foundation, stated, "Partnering with RIVANNA is a pivotal step for advancing innovative solutions in the Military Health System (MHS). By combining operational insight with cutting-edge technology, we are enhancing the care future of service members and their families and modernizing healthcare delivery in military environments."

Key Features of the Accuro 3S-MIL

The new variant of Accuro, designed specifically for military use, will be compact and durable, facilitating its use in various operational environments. Key enhancements will include integration with military electronic health record systems and the incorporation of AI-based imaging innovations optimized for the service member demographic. The 3S-MIL will undergo thorough evaluations with military clinicians to ensure its effectiveness in medical facilities.

RIVANNA is also preparing to file for FDA 510(k) clearance for the Accuro 3S-MIL, aiming to streamline the administration of ESIs in military settings. This development is crucial for enhancing the military's capacity to address back pain effectively, enabling personnel to remain operational and reducing the necessity for evacuations.

Future Implications

In addition to its immediate focus on spinal care, RIVANNA envisions expanding the 3S-MIL's applications to support a broader range of neuraxial anesthesia and pain management, enhancing treatment capabilities both in civilian and military contexts. The potential benefits of this mobile, radiation-free device are vast, with the ability to establish new standards of care for millions suffering from back pain worldwide.

This endeavor is supported by a team of distinguished collaborators, including Dr. Xiaoning (Jenny) Yuan from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Dr. Edward Dolomisiewicz from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and prominent pain management experts from prestigious institutions. Collectively, they aim to enhance the landscape of military medical care and improve outcomes for those who serve.

Conclusion

RIVANNA's innovative approach marks a crucial milestone in military medicine, with the potential to revolutionize spinal care and pain management for service members. The integration of advanced ultrasound technology promises to foster a more efficient and effective healthcare system within the military, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for those who face the challenges of service-related injuries.