Anorectal Tonometer for Neurological Testing

Invention: Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) occurs when the Cauda Equina nerve fibers become irritated by pressure or inflammation. The treatment for Cauda Equina is immediate surgical intervention. The absence or reduction of rectal tone is used in the diagnosis of several neurological conditions including CES. This invention describes an anorectal tonometer, intended to measure rectal tone in adults and newborns caused by CES.  Patent Landscape: The proposed device can be used in emergency rooms for assessing spinal cord injuries, as well as intra-operatively during spinal cord surgeries to monitor neural control of the sphincter. Applications: As CES is not the only thing that can affect the spinal cord, this invention can also be used for a variety of other conditions. Any spinal condition that affects the involuntary nervous system could affect rectal tone and it is therefore widely applicable. In addition, rectal tone is often changed in pregnancies and the return of normal function can be studied and monitored to better help women recover from child birth. Some other applications include: o       Emergency assessmento       Routine diagnostic toolo       Research databaseo       Intra-operative monitoro       Childbirth recovery Competing Technologies o       Rectal silicon pressure sensoro       Digital (finger) rectal examination o       MRI examination Advantages: o       Allows quantitative measurement of rectal tone o       This innovative device frees up the time of radiologist and neurosurgeons as nurses could easily perform examinations. o       Designed to keep doctor away from anus, in order to work in other areaso       The sensor is very small (comparable or smaller than the human finger)  Licensing Manager:  Robert Sleeper RobertS@tla.arizona.edu520-626-4604

USA