Optical device for accurate and real-time assessment of liver fat content in human subjects

A novel technology that will allow transplant surgeons to obtain accurate measurements of liver fat content during donor surgeries has been developed. These results will be immediate and will guide the transplant surgeon in deciding whether the liver is acceptable for transplantation. This will lead to fewer discarded livers, reduced waitlists for liver transplantation and improved quality of life for many individuals with end-stage liver disease. Our alpha prototype has been proved to detect fat at concentrations greater than 5%. Further research aims at reliable detection of the more clinically relevant low concentrations of fat (<5%). Our intention is to license to a local NS company, led by intern Hao Guo.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kevin Hewitt

Student:

Hao Guo

Partner:

I-INC Foundation for Business Development

Discipline:

Geography / Geology / Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University