IMPLANTABLE MICRO-DEVICE to MONITOR MUSCLE COMPARTMENT PRESSURE in TRAUMA VICTIMS

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In human limbs the muscles are bundled into compartments surrounded by inelastic tissue called fascia. High energy impact to muscles, such as that sustained during an accident, results in swelling of the damaged tissue. This raises the tissue pressure and results in the condition called Acute Compartment Syndrome (ACS). The confining fascia must be cut to release pressure once it rises to a critical level or the patient will experience severe intractable pain and disability as a result of permanent muscle damage. There is no existing technology capable of measuring muscle compartment pressure accurately and on a continuous basis. The goal of this project is to develop a simple, miniature, wireless device that can be used by first responders in the field or in an emergency department to measure pressure, oxygen and temperature fluctuations in the muscle compartments of patients at risk of ACS. The proposed device measuring 4 mm x 23 mm will be delivered to the compartment with a modified syringe and will have a tail that protrudes from the skin to facilitate removal 48 hours post injury. The sensor will undergo pre-clinical assessment in established models of compartment syndrome, including live animal and human cadaveric models. The intellectual property for the device is protected by an agreement with McGill University and a working agreement has been signed with the technology user, Sharp Microsystems. The medical device lobby group MEDEC has also been engaged for eventual dispersal. We believe this device will revolutionize the management of trauma victims in every hospital throughout the world and minimize the devastating outcomes for patients diagnosed with ACS.