Australian Medtech firm EMVision unveils backpack-sized brain scanner for first responders

EMVision Medical Devices Limited (ASX: EMV), an innovative Australian medical device company, has announced its groundbreaking First Responder Proof of Concept device. This new, backpack-sized brain scanner is designed to be used in road and air ambulances and weighs less than 25 lbs. This device aims to revolutionize prehospital stroke care by providing rapid, portable brain imaging to enhance stroke diagnosis and treatment in critical moments.

The First Responder device builds on EMVision’s existing technology, refining their emu brain scanner. Unlike traditional imaging methods such as CT and MRI, which are often not accessible in emergency settings, this portable unit is engineered for quick deployment. The device leverages ultra-high frequency radio signals and artificial intelligence to deliver comprehensive brain scans directly at the point of care. This advancement is particularly vital in remote areas where conventional imaging is not readily available.

EMVision’s emu scanner, the precursor to the First Responder device, is a trolley-mounted system used in intensive care units and neurology wards. The new First Responder unit represents a significant step forward, offering a miniaturized and lighter design with expanded antenna coverage for full brain imaging in a single scan. The device will undergo further studies and development to ensure its usability, reliability, and functionality as it moves towards regulatory approval.

Scott Kirkland, Co-Founder and CEO of EMVision, expressed the company’s commitment to improving stroke care: “An abiding certainty in stroke is that the fastest possible diagnosis and treatment will result in better outcomes, such as less disability, for patients. The First Responder device addresses a major clinical need for a portable and cost-effective tool to differentiate between ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes. We are excited about the potential impact of this technology on global stroke care.”

Professor Geoffrey Donnan, co-Chair of the Australian Stroke Alliance, highlighted the significance of the device: “Early results are encouraging, and the lightweight nature of the EMVision device makes it a promising tool for prehospital stroke management. Identifying blood is crucial for effective therapeutic decision-making in acute stroke situations.”

Professor Stephen Davis, also co-Chair of the Australian Stroke Alliance, emphasized the comparative advantage of the new device: “We are eager to validate the device’s sensitivity and specificity for detecting blood in hyperacute stroke patients. The device’s weight of less than 25 lbs is notably favorable compared to conventional mobile CT scanners, which typically weigh over 1,100 lbs.”

Dr. Lisa Murphy, CEO of the Stroke Foundation, commented on the broader implications: “This advancement is a significant step towards bridging the gap between regional and metropolitan stroke care. Access to rapid diagnosis and treatment can be critical for stroke patients, potentially impacting their chances of recovery and reducing the risk of severe disability.”

Currently, the emu and First Responder devices are not available for sale and have not been evaluated by the FDA or other global regulatory bodies. These devices are being used exclusively in controlled clinical investigations. EMVision plans to introduce the emu device to the market next year, followed by the First Responder device.

The introduction of EMVision’s First Responder device represents a pivotal development in portable neuroimaging. The ability to deliver immediate, high-quality brain scans in emergency settings can significantly enhance stroke management, particularly in underserved areas. As the device progresses through regulatory pathways, its potential to transform prehospital care is substantial.