Researchers at the Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, a nationally important institute under the Central Department of Science and Technology, have developed a simple and cost – effective blood flow meter to test and ensure the effectiveness of heart surgeries.
India relies entirely on imported blood flow meters to understand the Blood Flow Rate, an important factor in determining the success of heart surgery. Only a handful of super specialty hospitals in the country can afford these, which cost between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 30 lakh. The blood flow meter developed by Sree Chitra is hand held white. It measures the rate of blood flow using advanced magnetic methods and signal conditioning technology.
The main components of a blood flow meter are a magnetic field generator, an electronic measurement system, and a single – use tube with electrodes attached. As the blood passes through the tube under the influence of the magnetic field, a voltage is formed between the electrodes. This is proportional to the blood flow rate. The innovative method used to generate the magnetic field and detect the voltage allows the device to accurately measure the blood flow rate.
The technology of the portable, battery-powered device has been handed over to Kochi-based NProducts for industrial production. Made with the latest technology, its production cost can be significantly reduced. In addition to bypass surgery, it can be used to measure the rate of flow of conductive fluids in various industrial applications.
The Sree Chithra director said that the price of the blood flow meter, which is made using locally developed technology, will be reduced from Rs.25 lakh to a few thousand. Asha Kishore said. With this, government hospitals can also purchase blood flow meters and perform heart surgeries safely at low cost. Sree Chitra has developed a number of devices used for heart surgery. The latest of these is the blood flow meter. Asha Kishore clarified.
Researchers from the Department of Medical Devices Engineering in the Department of Biotechnology, Sree Chitra. Sarath S Nair, Vinod Kumar V, Sreedevi V, were involved in the development of the device.
The blood flow meter was developed by a team consisting of Nagesh DS. The key features and functionality of the device have been checked and confirmed. The device, which has been developed in accordance with international and national standards, can be manufactured using raw materials available in the country. The Institute has applied for a patent for the device. Two related studies have been published in leading journals.
Prior to clinical trials of the device, the evaluation was performed by Dr. Sreedharan of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. Vivek V Pillai, Dr. Dr. Bineesh KR, In Vivo Models and Testing Division PR Umashankar.
