Challenge
Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent dye widely used in angiography to visualize blood circulation for various applications, including intra-surgical monitoring. However, fluorescent dyes bind only to plasma components, which results in the imaging of bulk blood flow and does not permit direct observation of erythrocyte dynamics.
Opportunity
Imaging of erythrocyte dynamics would give surgeons a way of quickly establishing whether repaired tissues are sufficiently oxygenated and detect pathologies in the microcirculation. Many surgeries could benefit from a simple erythrocyte imaging technique to reduce complications from anastomotic leakage and insufficient tissue oxygenation. These surgeries include many abdominal surgeries, colorectal surgeries, vascular and plastic reconstructive surgeries.
Solution
ICG-loaded erythrocyte angiography is a clinical tool similar to conventional ICG angiography, but it has a wider spectrum of applications. The imaging data generated is directly related to the metabolic capacity and status of blood flow, whereas conventional angiography is completely insensitive to the difference between normal and dangerously low hematocrit.
Status
US and European patents have been granted on the method of loading ICG as well as therapeutic substances into erythrocytes. The technology is at TRL2. Though the concept of erythrocyte imaging has already been tested in monkey and limited human trials, these trials have been mostly limited to the retina. There is still further research needed to apply the concept in the surgical environment.
Meet the team
Robert Flower
Inventor
Willem Fontijn
Venture Partner at NLC
Willem joined NLC in August 2017. He is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of NLC at an operational and strategic level, guarding the quality of inflow and driving supporting technologies. Willem holds a PhD from the Eindhoven University of Technology, is an IP expert, and has corporate and venturing experience. He is a principal scientist and prolific inventor at Philips Research turned serial entrepreneur.