RespirAct™

NOTICE: THE RESPIRACT™ SYSTEM IS NOT LICENSED OR CLEARED FOR SALE IN ANY JURISDICTION.

The RespirAct™ gas flow controller is a device designed to control gas concentrations in the lungs and blood. It can be used in a diagnostic procedure which measures Cerebrovascular Reactivity (“CVR”). CVR is a measurement of the ability of the blood vessels in the brain to regulate blood flow in reaction to varying circumstances which affect blood supply and demand. Failure of the blood vessels to dilate or contract at the appropriate time can starve brain tissue for oxygen.

We are developing the RespirAct™ system to help assess the risk of stroke based on CVR, and thereby reduce the number of surgeries when CVR is intact despite the presence of a stenosis. Over 140,000 surgeries are performed annually to correct carotid stenosis in the US. CVR impairment can predict the likelihood of stroke in these patients (Markus et. al, Brain. 2001).

There are over 750,000 strokes in the US alone every year and strokes are the leading cause of disability (JAMA. 2006). Stroke treatment will cost approximately $70 billion in the US.

The RespirAct™ system is being designed to provide a repeatable, accurate carbon dioxide stimulus to assist in measurement of Cerebrovascular Reactivity (CVR), by providing the patient with a computer controlled blend of CO2 and O2 while he breathes through a custom breathing circuit.

We are also investigating the control of CO2 and O2 for other applications. Collaboration inquiries should be directed to info@thornhillresearch.com.

Click here to read some recent research conducted with the RespirAct™ system.