Project Description:

The Optic Transducer is an innovative diagnostic device developed to address the urgent clinical need for an easy to use, accessible, and non-invasive method of detecting elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Elevated ICP is a critical condition, often resulting from traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors. Providing a diagnosis traditionally requires invasive techniques such as intracranial catheter insertion. These procedures are costly, time-consuming, and carry risks of infection and complications.

Our device uses ultrasound technology to measure the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), a clinically validated marker for elevated ICP. The handheld tool houses the Butterfly IQ3’s ultrasound technology, which integrates a diagnostic algorithm using a Raspberry Pi. It is intuitive and ergonomic for clinicians and first responders to use, because with a simple point-and-click motion directed at the patient’s eye, the Optic Transducer captures ultrasound data. The image is processed by a diagnostic algorithm to determine whether the ONSD indicates normal or elevated pressure. Results are delivered instantly through an LED interface—green for normal, red for high— and by displaying the diagnosis on an LED display.

The Optic Transducer was developed with accessibility in mind. Its compact, handheld format and algorithm-driven output removes the need for specialized ultrasound expertise, making it ideal for emergency settings, remote locations, or low-resource healthcare environments. Additionally, its efficiency and ease of use allows for monitoring through interval measurements.

Currently in the late stages of prototyping, the device demonstrates the feasibility of combining low-cost electronics with high-impact medical diagnostics. In the long term, at NeuroSense we envision a fully manufacturable, regulatory-compliant product that empowers healthcare professionals worldwide to make rapid, informed decisions when seconds matter most. By reducing reliance on invasive procedures, the Optic Transducer redefines how we approach ICP diagnosis: faster, safer, and smarter.