Characterizing monitoring for the diagnosis and resuscitation of shock patients

Abstract

Many factors contribute to a company's decision to launch a product in a new market. The company must be able to identify a clinical need that the product will address and the market must be willing to pay for the new technology. This thesis explores the clinical and market need for an improved shock monitoring technology. Shock occurs when there is not enough blood flow to adequately perfuse the body's organs. In the United States, about 500,000 patients go into sudden shock every year and half of these patients die. For millions of additional patients, shock is the final stage of a terminal disease. Despite advances in many other areas of medicine, shock continues to be a serious, life threatening condition. It is my hypothesis that the limitations of the current monitoring technologies contribute to the high mortality rate associated with shock. In my research, I examined the currently available monitoring technologies and their use for the diagnosis and resuscitation of shock patients. I conducted an extensive review of the scientific literature to identify the limitations of the current monitoring technologies and to understand the challenges of diagnosing and treating shock. To supplement my research, I interviewed clinicians who treat shock patients and scientists who are trying to develop new shock monitoring technologies. The clinicians confirmed that there is a critical need for improved shock monitoring technologies. However, for a new shock monitor to be successful, it will need to address the limitations of the current technologies. A well-designed clinical trial will be necessary to demonstrate that the new technology is sensitive and specific, clinically relevant, and easy to use.