Replacement of obsolete, legacy and business critical test methods for QC release of a medical ultrasound device

"Deltex are pleased to announce that it has gained Innovate UK funding through a successful bid to the Analysis for innovators round 3: mini projects phase 2 competition. This Innovate UK funding brings with it the opportunity to collaborate with world-class UK agencies to seek solutions to improve existing technologies. Deltex Medical is pleased to be partnering with the National Physics Laboratory (NPL) in a project to enhance the Quality Control of its haemodynamic monitoring probes.

Deltex is the world leader in Doppler ultrasound for haemodynamic monitoring. Use of the company's TrueVue Doppler, is proven to reduce post-operative complications and is recommended by NICE. The system also saves hospitals the costs of treating complications that would otherwise result in increased lengths of stay.

The minimally invasive TrueVue Doppler technology uses an ultrasound probe inserted into the patient's oesophagus (food pipe). The oesophagus lies close to the aorta in the patient's chest and so blood flow velocity can be measured much like a police speed camera checks a car's speed. In this case the moving objects are blood cells.

The TrueVue system measures blood flow velocity and the timing of each heartbeat. TrueVue then calculates a range of parameters useful to clinicians in managing patient care to minimise or even prevent post-operative complications.

Deltex will use the grant monies to collaborate with NPL in a study to further enhance the Quality Control measurements of the probe's ultrasound output. Partnering with NPL will bring considerable ultrasound expertise and access to specialised equipment. This will provide a better understanding of the energy map of the ultrasound crystals and deliver innovative methods to create a new generation of product test equipment. The system envisaged will also store all results digitally allowing rapid trend analyses. The result will be that the product's enhanced quality will provide increased use of a device already recommended by NICE to reduce post-operative complications, hospital stay (-3 days) and healthcare costs (£1,100 per patient).

In conclusion a successful project will benefit clinicians and patients alike through enhanced quality management. Deltex expects that the outcome will increase the range of uses of a medical device with already proven efficacy."