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Pulse Diagnostics Limited

The Problem

The arterial system is a major part of the overall circulatory system of the human body, and plays an important role in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. The properties of arteries are influenced by different physiological and clinical factors such as ageing, hypertension, diabetes, smoking and alcohol, all of which can result in the onset of peripheral vascular disease.
There is therefore a need to perform non-invasive screening of patients for peripheral vascular disease. The early screening of patients may allow effective treatment to relieve the symptoms and to decrease future risk of heart attack or stroke. Currently, screening is complex and time consuming, being performed only at specialist units within some hospitals.

The Solution

Pulse Diagnostics was set up through the NHS Innovations North project to develop and commercialise a ground-breaking diagnostic device for the detection of peripheral vascular disease.
NHS Innovations North has successfully exploited this technology on behalf of The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and through their network of contacts has brokered more than £100,000 of investment from a specialist healthcare venture capitalist firm.
The technique was developed as part of a long term research project within The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Benefit to the NHS

It is anticipated that the associated diagnostic device will have a place in primary care and reduce costs to the NHS associated with unnecessary referrals.

Pulse Diagnostics is now in its second year of product development and it is anticipated that there will soon be a number of CE marked prototypes available. Once these devices have been manufactured, clinical trials in patients will commence alongside a clinical study of the technology.

For further information please contact NHS Innovations North on 0191 5164400 or email enquiry@nhsinnovationsnorth.org.uk

29/Jul/2010

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