EMVision, an Australian medical device company, has developed a portable brain scanner, weighing less than 25 pounds, that is designed for use in ambulances to improve stroke and traumatic brain injury outcomes by providing advanced neurodiagnostic technology at the scene.

The First Responder device allows paramedics to scan and send images to stroke specialists from the site of a suspected stroke, potentially improving the speed of diagnosis and treatment, especially in areas without access to traditional imaging tools like CT and MR.

In a statement, Scott Kirkland, co-founder and CEO of EMVision, said early results for the First Responder Proof of Concept device are promising and emphasized the importance of fast diagnosis and treatment in achieving better outcomes for patients. He noted the need for a portable, cost-effective device that can distinguish between ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes.

The device builds on EMVision’s emu brain scanner technology, which uses high-frequency radio signals and artificial intelligence for rapid diagnostics. The emu is designed for use in intensive care units and rural emergency departments. The new First Responder unit offers full brain coverage in a single scan and will undergo further studies for usability, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

“We are looking forward to the validation of the sensitivity and specificity for detection of blood in hyperacute stroke patients using the EMVision device, against CT scanning, the current gold standard in stroke management," said professor Stephen Davis, co-chair of the Australian Stroke Alliance. "The weight of the device — less than 25 lbs — compares extremely favorably to a conventional mobile CT scanner of at least 1,100 lbs.”

Both the emu and the First Responder devices are currently undergoing controlled clinical investigations and are not yet available for sale. The emu device is expected to enter the market next year, followed by the First Responder unit.

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