Waterloo develops NeuroSense for brain-injury

A research team led by the University of Waterloo, including collaborators from University Medical Center Rostock, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard Medical School, has developed NeuroSense Therapeutics, a new monitoring system for early detection of infections in brain-injury cases. This 3D-printed device connects to drainage lines to continuously monitor biomarkers like glucose, lactate, pH, and flow rate in cerebrospinal fluid, providing near real-time data to clinicians. Current methods rely on infrequent lab analysis, leading to delayed detection and severe complications in up to 20% of the 25,000 US patients annually requiring brain fluid drains. NeuroSense Therapeutics aims to save lives, reduce hospital stays, and significantly cut healthcare costs by enabling faster, better treatment decisions. The system has performed well in initial lab and patient studies, with plans for larger clinical trials and commercialization.