Summary:
UCLA Biodesign researchers have created a laser-powered, self-leveling device that enables precise intracranial pressure monitoring and accurate phlebostatic axis measurement for hemodynamic monitoring.
Background:
Hemodynamic monitoring is crucial for measuring the delivery of blood and oxygen throughout the body and provides invaluable information on cardiac function. This monitoring is often performed during critical procedures such as surgeries and anaesthetized operations to ensure patient safety. Accurate hemodynamic monitoring relies on measurement of the phlebostatic axis, an essential metric for critical-care decision making that serves as a reference point for zeroing the hemodynamic monitoring device. Monitoring devices generally must be zeroed once a day to ensure accuracy of pressure readings. Current practices of measuring the phlebostatic axis include a bulky spirit level for alignment, which interrupts workflow and introduces variability that can negatively affect bedside decisions. Additionally, procedures such as intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and lumbar drains are crucial for draining excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These procedures also rely on a leveled transducer to ensure accurate pressure monitoring and enable appropriate fluid drainage. There is an unmet need for a compact, rapid, and user-friendly solution to localize the phlebostatic axis and align transducers, streamlining hemodynamic monitoring and ICP monitoring in critical-care settings.
Innovation:
Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel laser-based alignment tool designed for phlebostatic axis localization. The device integrates a self-leveling laser module with an adjustable mounting mechanism to streamline the measurement process. This allows CardioAxis to directly attach to bedside equipment without external mounts or manual setup, improving workflow efficiency and logistics. Utilizing its self-leveling system, CardioAxis maintains horizontal laser alignment which improves clinical decision making through consistent leveling accuracy. Designed for ICP monitoring and CSF drainage, the device secures in place and employs a laser-leveling system to quickly locate the correct anatomical landmark and align the transducer for precise pressure measurements. This improvement facilitates precise ICP measurement, contributing to enhanced patient outcomes in aneurysm repair and CSF drainage. Compared to the state-of-the-art, CardioAxis leverages medical mounting compatibility to IV poles and laser precision, overcoming standard hemodynamic monitoring capabilities. By shortening setup time and reducing measurement variability, CardioAxis has the potential to streamline hemodynamic and ICP monitoring and support the standardization of accurate phlebostatic axis measurements across critical-care settings.
Potential Applications:
● Hemodynamic Monitoring
○ ICU
○ Operating room
○ In-hospital transport
○ Telemetry units
○ Resuscitation bays
● Intracranial pressure monitoring
○ CSF drainage
○ Lumbar drains
○ Aneurysm repair
○ Stroke rehabilitation
● Medical training
Advantages:
● Reduced operator variability for transducer leveling and reference height
● Workflow efficiency
○ Quick setup/re-setup
○ Streamlined training
● Compact, reduces bedside clutter
● Improved Data Quality
● Improved Repeatability
Development-To-Date:
First successful demonstration of the invention in progress.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2025-294
Lead Inventors:
Sneha Shaha, Michael Malig, Sukhneet Dhillon