Microwave resonance technology represents a significant advancement in non-invasive medical diagnostics. This technology uses the principles of microwave spectroscopy to detect changes in the physical and dielectric properties of biological tissues and stents. NIMBLE Diagnostics is leveraging this innovative approach to monitor stent integrity, offering a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective method for ensuring long-term patient health.
The Technology
NIMBLE Diagnostics has developed a novel diagnostic system that captures the electromagnetic signature of stents, enabling precise detection of issues such as fractures, diametrical collapse, and instent restenosis. This technology offers a non-invasive, rapid, and accurate method to assess stent performance, providing real-time data without the need for clinician interpretation.
The Problem
Traditional stent monitoring methods, including invasive angiography and other imaging techniques, often require complex procedures and can be expensive and time-consuming. These methods may also pose risks associated with the invasive nature of the procedures. The lack of a simple, non-invasive, and reliable diagnostic tool has led to challenges in timely and effective stent monitoring, which is crucial for preventing complications such as stent fractures and restenosis.
Innovative Solutions
NIMBLE’s technology addresses these challenges by providing a non-invasive solution that simplifies stent monitoring:
1. BMS/DES Stent Monitoring: Continuous non-invasive and nonionizing monitoring of implanted stents, independent of stent type or location.
2. Bioresorbable Stents Monitoring: Monitoring of the reabsorption rate of the stent to personalize the drug therapy required in these patients.
3. Industrial QC Automation: Inline automation of the QC characterization of manufactured stents allowing for non-destructive assessment.
Clinical and Economic Impact
NIMBLE’s system has the potential to transform stent monitoring by:
Improving Patient Outcomes: Offering real-time, non-invasive diagnostics reduces the risk of complications and enables prompt intervention.
Reducing Healthcare Costs: Simplifying the diagnostic process can lower the costs associated with invasive procedures and lengthy hospital stays.
Enhancing Clinical Efficiency: Eliminating the need for complex interpretation allows clinicians to make faster, more accurate decisions.
Integration into the Patient Journey
Early Detection and Monitoring
The integration of microwave resonance technology into clinical practice could significantly enhance the patient journey, particularly for those with cardiovascular stents. Here’s how it would fit:
Initial Diagnosis and Treatment
Patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) may undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), where stents are implanted to restore proper blood flow. During PCI, a balloon catheter is used to open up the blocked artery, and a stent is placed to keep the artery open. This procedure is minimally invasive and has become a common treatment for CAD. However, the success of PCI depends on the long-term patency of the stent, making post-procedure monitoring crucial.
Post Procedure Monitoring
After stent implantation, regular monitoring is essential to detect complications such as restenosis (re-narrowing of the artery) or stent fractures. Traditional methods like angiography, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are invasive and costly, involving catheter insertion and exposure to X-rays.
Microwave Resonance Technology
Non-invasive Scans: Microwave resonance technology offers a non-invasive alternative, allowing patients to undergo regular microwave-based scans to check for changes in the stent’s condition. These scans can detect variations in the electromagnetic signature of the stent, indicating potential issues such as obstructions or structural integrity problems.
Routine Follow-Up These scans could be incorporated into routine follow-up visits, reducing the need for invasive procedures unless significant anomalies are detected. This approach not only enhances patient comfort but also lowers the risk and cost associated with traditional monitoring techniques【5†source】【6†source】.
Early Intervention
The ability to detect early signs of stent failure or restenosis allows for timely medical intervention. Early detection is crucial for preventing severe complications such as heart attacks or the need for emergency revascularization procedures.
Benefits of Microwave Resonance Technology
Timely Medical Intervention: Detecting potential issues before symptoms become severe enables healthcare providers to make timely adjustments to the patient’s treatment plan. This might involve modifying medications, recommending lifestyle changes, or planning for less invasive corrective procedures.
Continuous, Real-Time Monitoring: The continuous and real-time monitoring capability of microwave resonance technology helps in correlating patient symptoms with stent functionality. This data-driven approach aids in creating more personalized and effective treatment plans, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care based on their specific conditions.
The Patient Journey
Diagnosis:
The patient presents with symptoms of CAD (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath).
Diagnostic tests (e.g., ECG, stress tests, angiography) confirm the presence of significant arterial blockages.
Decision made to proceed with PCI and stent implantation.
Treatment (PCI and Stent Implantation):
Minimally invasive PCI procedure performed.
A stent is placed to keep the artery open, restoring proper blood flow.
Immediate Post Procedure:
The initial recovery period is monitored in the hospital.
A baseline microwave resonance scan was performed to establish a reference for future monitoring.
Routine Follow-Up Visits:
Regular follow-up visits are scheduled (e.g., every 36 months).
Microwave-based scans were conducted during each visit to monitor the stent condition.
Any detected anomalies lead to further diagnostic testing or adjustments in treatment.
Early Detection and Intervention:
Continuous monitoring detects early signs of restenosis or stent fracture.
Interventions (e.g., medication adjustments, lifestyle recommendations) are implemented before severe symptoms develop.
Long Term Management:
Ongoing monitoring continues to ensure stent patency and patient health.
Data from microwave resonance scans are integrated into patient’s medical records, facilitating coordinated care among healthcare providers.
Integrating microwave resonance technology into the patient journey for those with cardiovascular stents offers a transformative approach to monitoring and managing stent integrity. By providing non-invasive, real-time diagnostics, this technology can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance clinical efficiency. Continued research and clinical validation will be essential in realizing the full potential of this innovative technology.
Research in Spain and the EU
In Spain, significant advancements have been made by NIMBLE Diagnostics, a spinoff from the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, the University of Barcelona, and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Their work focuses on developing a device that uses microwave technology to monitor stents in patients with cardiovascular, renal, or lung diseases. This technology aims to detect issues early, allowing for timely medical intervention without the need for invasive procedures like angiography【6†source】.
A study published in ‘Scientific Reports’ described the use of microwave spectrometry to monitor stents in a murine model. The research demonstrated the ability to detect restenosis and stent fractures through variations in resonance frequency, highlighting the potential of this technology for early detection of stent-related complications【6†source】.
Team Expertise
NIMBLE’s team comprises leaders in medical research, engineering, and clinical practice:
@Oriol Iborra Egea, PhD: CEO, driving the scientific vision.
@Susana Amorós, MSe: CTO, leading technological innovation.
@Andrés OrtegaVerdaguer, MSc: COO, managing market access strategies.
@ Pol Gómez Puchades: Clinical Trials Coordinator, overseeing study implementations.
@Carolina Gálvez Montón, PhD: CSO, specializing in preclinical models.
Investors and Financial Support
NIMBLE Diagnostics has garnered support from a range of prestigious investors and grant programs, including:
@Grow Venture Partners
@NAMAREL Ventures
@ Intempo Ventures
@Fundació la Marató de TV3
@ Instituto de Salud Carlos III
@European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)
@La Caixa Foundation
@Barcelona Activa
@Ship2B Foundation
These investments and grants have been pivotal in advancing NIMBLE’s technology from the research phase to clinical validation and eventual market readiness.
Research and Publications
NIMBLE’s advancements are supported by numerous peer-reviewed publications, detailing their innovative methodologies and successful outcomes in stent monitoring. For a complete list of their research papers, please refer to their [team page](https://www.dxnimble.com/team/).
Conclusion
Microwave resonance technology represents a significant advancement in non-invasive stent monitoring, offering a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective method for ensuring long-term patient health. NIMBLE Diagnostics is at the forefront of this innovation, aiming to revolutionize cardiovascular care with its cutting-edge technology. By addressing key challenges in stent assessment and overcoming talent acquisition barriers, they are poised to make significant contributions to patient care and healthcare efficiency.
References
1. Nimble Diagnostics is founded to monitor stents using microwave technology. UPC News. URL: [UPC News]https://www.upc.edu/en/pressroom/news/nimblediagnosticsisfoundedtomonitorstentsusingmicrowavetechnology
2. Ex Vivo Assessment and In Vivo Validation of Non-invasive Stent Monitoring Techniques Based on Microwave Spectrometry. Scientific Reports. Volume 8, Article 14808. DOI: 10.1038/s41598018332549] (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598018332549). URL: (https://www.eurekalert.org/newsreleases/723535
3. Resonance-Based Microwave Technique for Body Implant Sensing. Sensors. DOI: 10.3390/s1922482](http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s19224828