Software System to Diagnose Excess Kidney Fluid

Summary

Researchers at Children's National Hospital have developed a software system to detect and predict the extent of hydronephrosis, or excess kidney fluid, using ultrasound images that employ sophisticated computational analytics.

Description

Hydronephrosis is the distention of the renal organs or swelling of kidneys due to build-up of urine. This happens as a result of blockage to the kidney or bladder. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose the extent of fluid build-up or blockage. However, they offer a subjective assessment which can be improved by using this novel software technology. The following are the advantages of this software system:

1. Objective renal assessment instead of just physician’s subjective evaluation.
2. Improved clinical utility of 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging.
3. Uses computational methods for detailed analysis of patient anatomy (volumetrics and hydronephrosis index).
4. Software defines set of optimal appearance and morphological features of renal system and quantifies renal size.
5. Assesses surgical outcome.

Applications

• Pediatric and adult patients with hydronephrosis

Stage of Development

• Preclinical studies ongoing and clinical studies planned.

Intellectual Property Status

• Pending PCT Patent application, “Medical Anatomy Quantification: Computer-Aided Diagnostic Tool”

This technology is available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.