IntuiTap Medical has developed VerTouch, a device that utilizes real-time imaging technology to accurately identify vertebral anatomy for spinal punctures, significantly reducing the reliance on palpation. This innovation addresses the high failure rates of traditional spinal taps, achieving over a 34% reduction in needle insertions and minimizing complications associated with inaccurate placements.
Funding
$6M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current spinal puncture techniques rely on palpation, leading to inaccurate needle placements and multiple insertion attempts. This results in high failure rates, increased patient discomfort, and potential complications. The uncertainty of the procedure can also lead to delays in treatment and unnecessary radiation exposure.
Solution
VerTouch by IntuiTap Medical employs real-time imaging technology to provide physicians with a 2D map of the lumbar anatomy, enabling accurate and efficient identification of the optimal insertion site for spinal punctures. The device allows for vertebral detection analogous to palpation, displaying anatomy in real-time. The included marker guidance ensures precise marking of the identified insertion site, improving the consistency and accuracy of spinal punctures performed at the bedside. This reduces the need for radiology and improves the overall patient experience.
Target Audience
The primary users are physicians performing spinal punctures, including those in emergency departments and radiology, seeking to improve accuracy, reduce complications, and minimize the need for radiology referrals.
Features
- Real-time 2D TactoMap of lumbar anatomy for intuitive identification of insertion site
- Scanning-based imaging to build a sensitive TactoMap
- Marker guidance for accurate marking of the identified insertion site
- Sterilely covered monitor for safe use in the sterile field
- Disposable sleeve and single-use, sterile disposable handheld component
- Reduces the number of needle insertions compared to palpation