BURL Concepts has announced the first human uses of the Foqus ultrasound system for brain emboli detection to identify potential patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients in the Netherlands and UK.
Using standard bubble test techniques, saline and oxygen microbubbles were administered via venous injection while Foqus monitored the patient’s entire brain for the appearance of a “curtain” of microbubbles. The presence of these microbubbles enables physicians to identify an existing PFO. Approximately 40 to 50% of patients with cryptogenic stroke have a PFO.
The Foqus test is fully automated and can be completed in 40 seconds without sedation. As a result, the test can be performed by a single nurse and does not require the presence of a cardiologist or anaesthesiologist, allowing rapid PFO testing to be performed anywhere, including physician offices or diagnostic centres, BURL Concepts says in a press release.
Martin Swaans, a cardiologist from St Antonius Ziekenhuis (Nieuwegein, the Netherlands) comments: “Foqus allows me to rapidly and easily test my patients for the presence of bubble emboli as part of a PFO evaluation. By simplifying and accelerating testing, we can identify appropriate candidates for PFO closure more efficiently and reduce the risk of recurrent strokes in cryptogenic stroke patients. After completing a series of successful transcranial tests, we will accelerate the use of this new test on our large group of PFO and cryptogenic stroke patients in the upcoming weeks.”
In addition to the Netherlands study, Foqus has successfully detected PFOs in patients across the UK.
Nick Palmer, Consultant Cardiologist at The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (Liverpool, UK) states: “The successful completion of a series of this new rapid automated non-invasive transcranial test will allow implementation of PFO testing at multiple locations before patients come to Liverpool for a PFO closure procedure. Since the test can be performed by a nurse using standard bubble test techniques, I believe Foqus will allow us to speed up testing and reduce local waiting lists.”
The Foqus ultrasound system, powered by Sonas technology, includes a transcranial headset system.
“Just as cardiac arrhythmia testing shifted from hospitals to outpatient settings, Foqus has the potential to significantly expand access to PFO testing. By enabling rapid, automated testing at the point of care, Foqus allows physicians to efficiently evaluate more patients and identify individuals earlier who may benefit from a PFO closure device,” comments Peter van der Sluis, chief executive officer, Burl Concepts. “We’re encouraged by the clinical experience and feedback from cardiologists and look forward to launching Foqus in the USA and Europe later this year.”
