Infrascanner Device Reduces TBI Triage and Treatment Times in Combat Settings
A 600-patient study conducted in Ukraine demonstrates that the portable Infrascanner device significantly reduced evacuation and surgical treatment times for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. The device also improved diagnostic support in resource-limited combat environments.
A recent 600-patient study conducted in Ukraine indicates that the Infrascanner, a handheld device for detecting brain hemorrhages, can significantly improve the triage and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in combat medical settings. Preliminary results presented at the Military Health System Research Symposium show the device's potential to aid clinical decision-making where CT imaging and rapid evacuation are scarce.
During the device phase of the study, which involved 300 patients, evacuation times were reduced to between 25 minutes and 2 hours when the Infrascanner was used. The study also found a 47% reduction in time to surgery associated with the device's application. Among patients who ultimately required neurosurgery, the Infrascanner demonstrated 100% sensitivity.
Furthermore, 88.5% of participating clinicians reported that the Infrascanner contributed to changes in patient care. Surveyed clinicians unanimously agreed on the technology's necessity at stabilization points and forward surgical teams. In polytrauma cases, the device acted as an adjunctive screening tool, identifying abnormalities that developed later or were not initially detected.
The Infrascanner utilizes near-infrared technology to assist in identifying intracranial bleeding following head trauma. Its portability allows for TBI assessment closer to the point of injury, a crucial advantage in austere environments. Developed with support from the U.S. military, the technology has been deployed in both civilian and military medical settings.