ImaCor, Inc., the developer of the world’s first and only hemodynamic transesophageal echocardiography (hTEE™) technology, announced that hTEE was tested in microgravity through NASA’s Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program. Stanford University (Stanford, CA) students chose to study hTEE’s functionality and usability in space conditions to explore the possibilities for hemodynamic monitoring in spaceflight missions. Cardiothoracic surgeon Peter H.U. Lee MD, MPH, MS, currently at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, served as faculty advisor.
“With its hTEE technology, ImaCor has developed a novel way of continuously monitoring the heart,” explained Dr. Lee. “I have found it to be a useful tool for monitoring certain sick patients after heart surgery. Because there currently is no practical way to continuously visualize and monitor the heart in space, we proposed that hTEE would be an ideal instrument to be included on future long duration space missions. Therefore, we wanted to test the feasibility of using hTEE in microgravity conditions.”
hTEE enables advanced hemodynamic management and real-time cardiac visualization. hTEE hardware consists of a miniaturized, disposable, and detachable TEE probe that can remain indwelling for up to 72 hours, and a simplified, easy-to-use ultrasound system.
“We are honored that the Stanford Space Initiative Team selected hTEE as an important technological advancement in medical care that warrants inclusion in microgravity studies,” commented Peter Pellerito, ImaCor’s President/CEO. “We developed hTEE technology to provide critical hemodynamic information whenever it is needed, and we appreciate the time and dedication that these exceptional students invested in proving that this technology is useable in microgravity environments.”
About ImaCor
ImaCor, Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Garden City, NY. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes advanced solutions for hemodynamic assessment in the critical care environment for the purpose of improving patient outcomes and optimizing utilization of healthcare resources.
ImaCor manufactures the ClariTEE® probe, the only miniaturized, indwelling TEE probe suitable for long-term clinical settings. hTEE™, Zura™, Zura EVO™, Adaptaflex™, and ClariTEE® are trademarks of ImaCor, Inc. For more information, please visit our website at www.ImaCorInc.com.
