PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Innovation and new technology continue to offer real solutions for athletes who incur brain injuries, and with football season underway, Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns great and NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure is renewing his commitment to making football safer for the next generation.
Since retiring from the NFL in 1985, DeLamielleure has struggled with depression, a quick temper and short-term memory loss. He is one of thousands of former NFL players who put forth the lawsuit recently settled with the NFL for allegedly concealing the dangers and long-term effects of concussions.
“Those of us who have experienced brain injury have the responsibility to help make the game safer for the next generation,” said DeLamielleure, who has donated his brain to Boston University for study. “Technology like the InfraScanner™ is an example of the kind of innovation that can make a difference. With this new hand-held technology, a brain bleed can be detected in minutes right on the field and can guide immediate, life-saving decisions.”
The InfraScanner™ is a first-of-its-kind, portable screening device that uses near-infrared (NIR) technology to assist medical professionals with a more accurate, expedited clinical assessment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Providing the ability to detect brain bleeding in a matter of minutes, the technology provides an expedited layer of protection for athletes.
Use of the InfraScanner™ can help determine if an athlete needs to be transported to receive a CT scan and neurosurgical intervention or can be kept under observation and avoid exposure to the dangers of radiation. The system was developed for use by the U.S. Marine Corps and has been battlefield tested since 2008.
“Without this technology, emergency responders have to rely on imprecise methods to detect brain bleeds, which can delay treatment,” said Dr. Joseph Maroon, team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers and MedLogic Medical Advisory Board member. “Its use can limit repeated access to cancer causing radiation from CT scans and has the potential to save lives by quickly detecting life-threatening brain bleeds. It has enormous implications for sports health professionals.”
One CT scan is equal to 300-400 chest x-rays to the head, delivering dangerous amounts of ionization radiation exposure known to cause cancer. Use of the technology has the potential to decrease unnecessary CT scans, helping to decrease healthcare costs and improve the health of a patient.
“This technology expedites care of the patient, offering access to clinical data right on the field,” said Edward Snell, MD, Director of Allegheny General Hospital Sports Concussion Center. “The InfraScanner™ brings a clear, extra layer of protection for athletes with head injuries.”
The InfraScanner™ Model 2000 received the FDA 510k clearance in January of 2013. With high school, college and professional football underway, the innovative new technology is available for the first time this season to help address concerns over head injuries among athletes.
Joe DeLamielleure talks about new technologies for athletes with brain injuries.
About Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health issue in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 1.5 million people annually survive a TBI and approximately 230,000 require in-patient treatment. It is estimated that 50,000 die annually representing one-third of all injury-related deaths. Successful treatment often relies upon timely diagnosis and intervention prior to neurological deterioration. The early identification of a brain hematoma can play a significant role in facilitating transportation of critically injured patients to facilities, which can both verify InfraScanner’s™ early diagnosis and offer surgical intervention.
About MedLogic, LLC
Founded in 2012, MedLogic is a Pittsburgh based company that was awarded U.S. civilian distribution for the InfraScanner™ Model 2000. The company taps innovative technology to offer quality medical devices and therapies that help save lives and improve the quality of healthcare. For more information call 855-633-0888 or go to http://www.med-logic.us.