Project description
Novel device to remove bubbles from IV infusion lines
Air embolism is a serious complication of IV infusion as accidental bubbles enter the venous system blocking blood flow and leading to serious adverse effects for patients, or even death. Current technological solutions to this problem include electronic alarms and in-line filters which are often unsuitable and place a significant burden on healthcare providers. The EU-funded Gasgon project aims to solve this unmet clinical need through the implementation of a new form of "vent" technology. It will introduce a mechanical, in-line, automatic vent capable of removing bubbles from IV fluids regardless of position or environment. The disposable vent will do this quickly and reliably without interfering with the prescribed dose of medications. This invention represents a major advancement over current methods of managing risk in IV infusions.
Objective
Over 2 billion medical intravenous (IV) infusions occur each year globally, with over 80% of inpatients receiving IV treatment. Each of these infusions carry a serious health risk – the risk that gas bubbles enter with the fluid and block blood flow in patients. Air Embolism, a potentially deadly complication of IV infusion, is a result of bubbles entering the venous system and blocking blood flow leading to serious adverse complications for patients such as Sepsis, Stroke, Brain Dysfunction and Heart Attack. In extreme cases death can occur. Gasgon Medical has built a break-through and disruptive technology to reduce risk and optimise fluid management in common medical IV treatments. Currently clinicians must intervene to remove every bubble in every infusion, a labour-intensive practice that puts a strain on healthcare resources, with wasted man-hours and reduced efficacy of the medicine dose. Technology solutions on the market include electronic alarms and in-line filters – these are unsuitable in the majority of cases and place a significant human and financial burden on healthcare providers. Our innovation, which is a new form of ‘vent’ technology, will solve this unmet clinical need. Gasgon Medical has invented the first mechanical, in-line, automatic vent capable of removing bubbles from IV fluids regardless of position or environment. Our Patent-pending disposable vent acts quickly and reliably without interrupting or reducing the prescribed dose of medications. This represents a major technology advancement over current methods of managing risk in IV infusions. Gasgon Medical can lead a €220mn IV vent opportunity bringing an exciting European innovation to the global market. This novel Gasgon vent technology has the potential to positively impact healthcare delivery and performance, leading to better patient outcomes.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
Cork
Ireland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.