Respiration Scan: The Non-Invasive Solution Revolutionizing Respiratory Diagnosis Starting With Pneumonia in the ICU
A game-changing diagnostic tool for ICU patients that integrates seamlessly into the standard of care, improving clinical outcomes and reducing costs
For years, doctors have known that lungs hold valuable information about a person's health, but they have been limited by the technology available to tap into this information. However, Respiration Scan, an Israeli medical technology startup, has developed an innovative solution that utilizes Cheminformatics, artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect pneumonia in patients earlier than current methods – even before they are symptomatic.
Late diagnosis leads to high mortality rates
Pneumonia is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical symptoms, chest X-rays, and laboratory tests. However, these methods can be time-consuming, invasive, and sometimes inaccurate. The difficulties in diagnosis and treatment lead to high mortality rates of up to 30%, massive costs of $40,000 per case, and longer stays in the ICU. In 2018, there were 300,000 cases of ICU-acquired pneumonia in the US alone, costing the healthcare system over $12 billion per year.
Currently, ICU patients on respirators are only tested for pneumonia once they start exhibiting symptoms, which can take several days. Unfortunately, results can take up to 72 hours to be received, meaning the diagnosis may come 5-7 days after contracting pneumonia. By this point, the patient's condition may have deteriorated too much to receive effective treatment or, at best, will result in an elongated stay in the ICU.
AI-based technology to diagnose and treat pneumonia earlier
Respiration Scan has created an AI algorithm that can analyze breath samples in seconds, making it much easier to diagnose and treat pneumonia, which accounts for 47% of ICU hospital-acquired infections. The solution is simple yet revolutionary.
Exhale PN uses off-the-shelf gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) technology to analyze breath samples and detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by bacteria in the lungs. By monitoring the bacterial load level in a patient's breath, doctors can identify the early stages of pneumonia before other symptoms manifest. This early detection is crucial as it allows for specific antibiotic treatments to be administered, and patients can leave the ICU faster.
Exhale PN is a daily test run on all ventilated ICU patients. With 70,000 adult ICU beds in the USA alone, nearly 35,000 of these patients are on ventilators, each costing $300 a day. With such a significant market, Exhale PN has the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat pneumonia, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Exhale PN: Non-invasive and rapid
To collect breath samples, Exhale PN utilizes a simple closed system that is easy to operate and does not require invasive procedures. Patients in the ICU are fitted with an inhale and exhale tube, and their breath samples are collected through the exhale tube. This system is part of the patients' daily tests, making it a seamless addition to the ICU's standard protocols.
Exhale PN's precise diagnostic capabilities provide doctors with insights allowing the doctors to determine the best antibiotic treatment for their patients. This timely information can lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes for patients, particularly those in the ICU where every minute counts. Unlike other invasive and risky methods, Exhale PN's non-invasive breath test poses a minimal risk to the patient.
Exhale PN's seamless integration into hospitals' EMR systems also creates more efficient clinical support systems. This integration will reduce the amount of time spent on administrative tasks, allowing doctors and nurses to focus on patient care.
Springing forward
In 2019, Respiration Scan conducted a proof-of-concept study, where they were able to identify bacteria using their method, albeit manually. Now, the company is automating the process through a clinical trial that is training AI to detect pneumonia in patients. The study is currently being conducted on 130 patients at the Rambam and Sheba medical centers in Israel. Once the study is complete, Respiration Scan will move to the US to conduct a validation study to receive FDA and regulatory approval. The validation study will take place at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas along with other institutions.
Respiration Scan is a company that has been on the rise in recent years. They have already secured funding from multiple sources, including a nearly $1 million grant from the Israeli Innovation Authority and $250,000 in credits from Microsoft. The company is currently raising a $5 million round to fund the clinical trials in Israel.
One of the unique aspects of Respiration Scan's technology is that it has the potential to work not only for pneumonia but also for other respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis, viruses, and lung cancer.
The impact of Respiration Scan's technology goes beyond its medical usage. The company's solution could significantly reduce the financial burden on hospitals caused by ICU-acquired infections. According to the CDC, each ICU-acquired infection costs hospitals $40,000, which is not covered by insurance as these infections were not the reason the patients were admitted to the ICU. With the potential to detect pneumonia at least 48 hours earlier than current methods, Respiration Scan could save hospitals billions of dollars annually while at the same time costing less than the current standard of care diagnostics.
Respiration Scan’s simple yet innovative solution utilizes off-the-shelf GCMS technology to analyze breath samples and detect VOCs emitted by bacteria in the lungs. By detecting pneumonia earlier than current methods, Respiration Scan's technology will significantly reduce mortality rates, cut hospital costs, and save patient lives.
partnered with Respiration Scan
