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  • 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022
  • Awards: Pump-priming Awards

 

We are developing a new, affordable imaging tool to detect changes in small vessels to detect early signs of cardiovascular disease. It clips onto the ear, which has advantages over current methods which image small vessels in the retina. First, the ear is accessible on both sides and relatively thin, enabling the use of light transmission imaging methods. Secondly, the ear can withstand much brighter light exposure, increasing the signal to noise ratio. Due to its low cost, non-invasiveness, portability, and focus on small vessels (which show the earliest signs of disease), it could be used in routine clinical visits as well as preventative screening in high-risk populations.
The objective of this study is to assess if this device can measure small vessel diameter accurately by comparing it with retinal imaging.

Image title: (a) VITA auricle imaging tool with a clipping mechanism at the top and gap in the handle to adjust the lens (b) image taken with the VITA tool, showing vasculature in the ear, (c) WiFi connected user interface.

Three photo montage of VITA auricle imaging tool, outer ear image and mobile phone app screen.