PANACIS MEDICAL ASPIROMETER

Panacis Medical, in conjunction with researchers at Bloorview Kids Rehab and the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, is developing a portable, non-invasive device to detect aspiration events in patients with dysphagia.

Called an Aspirometer, the device is expected to have significant advantages over existing aspiration detection methods, and will be unique in the medical device market as a tool for management of aspiration risk. Its low cost and ease of use will make it an effective and essential tool for both clinical assessment and therapeutic applications. For acute stroke, the device will complement existing swallowing assessments, and has the potential to reduce common swallowing related complications and improve patient outcomes. Further, the Aspirometer will be of benefit to children with neurological disabilities as an assistive device to manage aspiration risk during feeding.

The Aspirometer is a product that may prove to have positive effects on the quality of life for many patients with swallowing difficulties.

Dr. Tom Chau and patient Deane Daprato demonstrate the Aspirometer, a device (yellow collar) that monitors a child's swallowing motion. Photo by Mike Cassese, The Ottawa Citizen.