Revolutionary Headset Uses Laser Technology to Noninvasively Predict Stroke Risk

October 2, 2024
Revolutionary Headset Uses Laser Technology to Noninvasively Predict Stroke Risk
  • Researchers from Caltech and USC have developed an innovative headset-based device that can noninvasively assess stroke risk by monitoring changes in blood flow.

  • This device employs a laser-based technology known as speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) to measure blood flow and volume by analyzing light scattered by blood vessels in the brain.

  • During the assessment, the device monitors changes in brain blood flow and volume when a patient holds their breath, providing a non-invasive method to evaluate stroke risk.

  • In a study involving 50 participants, those identified as high-risk for stroke exhibited greater changes in blood flow during breath-holding exercises compared to their low-risk counterparts.

  • The findings indicated that the higher risk group had a higher flow-to-volume ratio, suggesting stiffer blood vessels and an increased likelihood of stroke.

  • Stroke is a major health concern, affecting nearly 800,000 Americans annually and serving as a leading cause of long-term disability due to reduced blood flow from artery blockages or ruptures.

  • Further research is being conducted at a hospital in Visalia, California, with plans to incorporate machine learning for data analysis and conduct a clinical trial over two years.

  • Future plans include pursuing clinical trials to make this headset available for stroke risk screening in medical facilities, potentially transforming standard practices.

  • Participants were categorized into low and high stroke risk groups using the Cleveland Stroke Risk Calculator, allowing for a comparison of traditional assessments with the device's measurements.

  • The long-term goal of this technology is to not only screen for stroke risk but also to identify specific areas in the brain where a stroke may have occurred.

  • Eventually, the device aims to detect the precise location of a stroke within the brain, enhancing its utility in clinical settings.

  • Current diagnostic tools like CT scans and MRIs are invasive and do not predict strokes before they occur, highlighting the significance of this new non-invasive approach.

Summary based on 4 sources


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