Using noninvasive sensors to improve monitoring of brain shunts
Official title: Enhancing Healthcare Delivery and Patient Outcomes: Noninvasive Wireless Sensors to Improve Ventricular Shunt Monitoring, Reduce Imaging, and Alleviate the Burden on Providers, Patients, and Families
Funded at Rhaeos, INC. · NIH-11069848 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new wearable device called FlowSense that helps people with hydrocephalus and shunts easily check how well their shunt is working, so they can avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhaeos, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Evanston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $966,022 |
| NIH project number | 2R44NS121555-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069848 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages who have undergone shunt implantation for hydrocephalus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without shunt implants or those with conditions unrelated to hydrocephalus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wearable device called FlowSense that can non-invasively monitor cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in patients with implanted shunts for hydrocephalus. The device aims to provide quick and accurate assessments of shunt function without the need for radiation or invasive procedures. By improving the monitoring process, the research seeks to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and the associated physical and mental burden on patients and their families. The approach leverages thermal anisotropy to deliver results in under 10 minutes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with hydrocephalus by providing timely and accurate monitoring of shunt function.
How similar studies have gone: Similar approaches using noninvasive monitoring technologies have shown promise in other medical fields, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhaeos, INC.
Evanston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Somera, Anna Lisa — Rhaeos, INC.
- Study coordinator: Somera, Anna Lisa
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.