VCU Licenses VCURES Invention to Oxford Optronix Ltd.

Oxford Optronix (http://www.oxford-optronix.com) a world leader in tissue oxygen and blood flow monitoring has licensed from VCU a novel tissue oxygen monitoring technology developed by VCURES (www.vcures.org). Oxford Optronix, located in the United Kingdom, manufactures the OxyLite ™ and OxyFlo ™ systems which invasively measure tissue oxygenation and blood flow using a combination of fiber-optic based fluorescence and laser Doppler technology. The technology developed by VCURES uses a novel combination of spectroscopy techniques to non-invasively determine the balance of tissue oxygen delivery and utilization. The technology is envisioned to become a valuable tool in the assessment of the critically ill or injured patient for both diagnostic purposes and as a guide to treatment. Currently, the major tools used in early assessment of severely ill or injured patients is the use of blood pressure and heart rate which are known to be notoriously deceiving and incapable of providing healthcare providers a true picture of tissue health. This new technology may have particular application in the decision making process when assessing mass casualty situations. Additionally, it may also assist doctors in developing better criteria for determining the need for blood transfusions and in assessing individual organ health during surgeries. VCURES is currently performing additional laboratory studies with grants provided by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, which funded VCURES to develop a monitoring technique to assist in the assessment of wounded military personnel. Oxford Optronix CEO Dr. Andrew Obeid states “We are very excited about the opportunity to work with VCURES which has clearly established itself as an innovative leader in the study of shock and its treatment. One of the most outstanding features of this group is that they are bringing together clinicians, basic scientists and engineers to address critical and complex problems associated with acute illness and injury”. Oxford Optronix and VCURES will work aggressively to develop a clinical prototype for testing in the near future. For more information, please contact Oxford Optronix Ltd or VCURES.