NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses.

THE TECHNOLOGY:

Scientists at NASA Langley Research Center have developed an ultrasonic system to assess Compartment Syndrome. Compartment Syndrome occurs when bleeding or swelling interfere with proper blood circulation in enclosed groups of muscles and nerves. Most commonly this occurs after a substantial injury, such as a broken arm or leg. Without proper treatment, myoneural necrosis occurs, leading to permanent injury and possible limb amputation. Even experienced physicians can have trouble making a reliable diagnosis of Compartment Syndrome and current testing for Compartment Syndrome requires invasive procedures. This invention provides a non-invasive and quick system to test for Compartment Syndrome monitor for its possible onset. The technology uses ultrasonic waves to categorize pressure build-up in a body compartment. The method includes assessing the body compartment configuration and identifying the effect of pulsatile components on at least one compartment dimension. An apparatus is used for measuring excess pressure in the body compartment which places the transducer to impart the ultrasonic waves, capture the reflected imparted ultrasonic waves, and convert them to electrical signals. A pulsed phase-locked loop device is used for assessing a body compartment configuration by producing an output signal.  The signal is then mathematically manipulated to categorize pressure build-up in the body compartment and localize the point of the interference with blood flow.  NASA is seeking to license this technology commercially. US Patents 7,491,169 and 7,381,186.

To express interest in this opportunity, please respond to [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information.  Please also provide the nature of your interest in the technology along with a brief background of your company. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at http://technology.nasa.gov/.