Monitoring brain activity to improve anesthesia for elderly patients at risk of delirium
Developing an Integrated Brain State Monitor for Personalized Anesthesia Decision Support: Preventing Postoperative Delirium in Elderly and Patients At Risk for Alzheimer's or Related Dementias
This study is working on a new system that helps doctors give safer anesthesia to older patients, especially those at risk for Alzheimer's and similar conditions, by keeping an eye on their brain activity to lower the chances of confusion after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pascall Systems, Incorporated NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11273457 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a personalized anesthesia decision support system that monitors brain activity in elderly patients, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By integrating a wireless brain monitor with existing medical systems, the project seeks to enhance anesthesia management and reduce the risk of postoperative delirium (POD). The approach includes establishing technical feasibility, creating a next-generation monitoring system, and developing clinical decision support features to guide anesthetic dosing and predict POD risk. This innovative method addresses a significant gap in current anesthesia practices for vulnerable populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are elderly patients, particularly those aged 60 and older, who are undergoing procedures requiring general anesthesia and have a risk of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 60 or do not have any risk factors for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in elderly patients, improving their recovery and overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using technology to monitor brain activity during anesthesia, but this specific integrated approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, UNITED STATES
- Pascall Systems, Incorporated — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Le Mau, Tuan — Pascall Systems, Incorporated
- Study coordinator: Le Mau, Tuan
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 below.