Creating a device to predict breathing problems from opioids in children after surgery
Official title: Development and Commercialization of a pupillometer to predict postoperative opioid-induced respiratory depression in children
Funded at Neuroptics, INC. · NIH-10878990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device that measures how your child's pupils react to help doctors figure out which kids might be at risk for breathing problems after surgery, so they can take steps to keep them safe while using pain medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neuroptics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,092,027 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DA055407-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are scheduled for surgeries that typically require opioid pain management.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing surgery or those who do not require opioids for pain management may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a pupillometer, a device that measures pupil response, to predict the risk of respiratory depression in children following surgery. By identifying children at high risk for this serious complication, healthcare providers can take proactive measures to prevent adverse effects associated with opioid use. The study aims to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs by enabling timely interventions. The methodology involves testing the pupillometer's effectiveness in a clinical setting to ensure reliable predictions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of respiratory depression in children after surgery, leading to safer postoperative care.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using a pupillometer for this specific purpose is novel, similar predictive monitoring techniques have shown promise in other areas of postoperative care.
Where this research is happening
-
Neuroptics, INC.
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oliver, Jeffrey Wade — Neuroptics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Oliver, Jeffrey Wade
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.