Innovative Collaboration to Enhance Ischemic Stroke Detection and Elevate Standards in Diagnostic Imaging

Ischemic stroke assessment has long been hampered by the limitations of traditional imaging techniques like CT and MRI. These methods are expensive, not always immediately available in emergency situations, time-consuming, and carry risks when used with contrast agents needed for brain perfusion evaluation. Now, an innovative partnership is set to improve ischemic stroke detection and patient care, elevating diagnostic imaging standards.

Bracco Imaging S.p.A. (Milan, Italy), a global leader in diagnostic imaging solutions, and BURL Concepts (San Diego, CA, USA), a company known for its portable, battery-powered ultrasound devices for non-invasive transcranial stroke diagnosis, have formed a strategic partnership. This alliance will enable Bracco to produce a microbubble solution for use with BURL Concepts' groundbreaking SONAS device, a portable ultrasound system designed for non-invasive brain blood perfusion assessment, instrumental in a wide range of medical diagnostics and monitoring, including ischemic stroke evaluation.

Image: SONAS is a portable, battery-powered ultrasound device for non-invasive brain perfusion assessment (Photo courtesy of BURL Concepts)

SONAS overcomes current limitations by providing a portable, cost-effective, and non-invasive solution that can be utilized in various treatment settings, significantly improving time-sensitive patient care and leading to better outcomes. The device is highly versatile, offering critical utility in early pre-intervention hospital diagnostics and post-intervention bedside monitoring. SONAS has received CE Mark certification and is currently in clinical use at multiple internationally recognized academic centers in Germany. It has been tested on over 350 patients for various clinical indications, including early stroke detection, treatment monitoring post-mechanical thrombectomy, transient ischemic attack, intracranial hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

"We are excited to collaborate with BURL Concepts in advancing cutting-edge solutions for stroke diagnosis and treatment," said Thierry Bettinger, Bracco Research Center Geneva Director. "This strategic partnership underscores our commitment to advancing diagnostic imaging technology. By combining our expertise in microbubble solutions with BURL Concepts' groundbreaking SONAS device, we aim to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and safety of stroke assessments, ultimately enhancing patient care."

"We are thrilled to partner with Bracco to bring SONAS to the forefront of stroke detection and management. This collaboration allows us to leverage Bracco's microbubble technology exclusively as part of the SONAS system, which will enhance our ability to provide accurate and timely assessment of cerebral perfusion," said Thilo Hoelscher, MD, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of BURL Concepts. "We believe this partnership can significantly improve patient outcomes and set a new standard in brain monitoring and specifically in stroke care."

Related Links:
Bracco Imaging S.p.A.
BURL Concepts