Iconeus completes assembly of the first Iconeus One functional ultrasound system for clinical research

Clinical applications of functional ultrasound took a step closer this week, with the release from our engineering workshop of the first Iconeus One system destined for use on humans. This represents a major milestone for our team, who have been busy optimizing Iconeus One for clinical studies, as well as building and delivering the system to a tight schedule.

This week, we were delighted to complete the instrument build on our first-ever Iconeus One system destined for clinical studies. The Iconeus One Clinical Research edition, which will be installed at a leading pediatric hospital in Paris, is being delivered as part of the ‘CONEXUS’ project, which is funded by the French National Research Agency, and has the goal of using functional ultrasound to monitor brain activity in newborns.

Towards functional ultrasound imaging of humans

Delivery of the system represents the completion of the first stage of the project, which we’ve been involved with for much of the last year. There were numerous challenges for us in developing this system, not least the need to increase the field of view compared to what has previously been possible. But we’re confident that our system meets this requirement, as well as providing the high sensitivity and temporal resolution needed for clinical imaging of humans. One of the key aspects has been optimizing the functional ultrasound sequences, which have been customized specially for this project.
Picture of Salima and Marc with Iconeus One for clinical research
A proud moment! Iconeus engineers Salima Laamrani and Marc Gesnik with the clinic-ready Iconeus One system that they worked tirelessly to build and test.

The new equipment will be installed at the Robert Debré Hospital in Paris, where it will be a key part of the ongoing three-year ‘CONEXUS’ project. Amongst other deliverables, the project aims to assess the use of Iconeus One Clinical Research edition for bedside monitoring of brain functional connectivity in newborns (neonates), with the ultimate ambition of achieving early diagnosis of abnormal brain development.

This project will be the first time that our technology has been used for this purpose.

A pivotal moment in fUS research

The CONEXUS project is being led by Charlie Demené, Ph.D., who is an Associate Professor of Acoustics and Medical Imaging at the ESPCI, and a researcher at Physics for Medicine Paris. Dr Demené said: “It has been a pleasure to work closely with Iconeus on developing the clinical capabilities of Iconeus One – and very exciting that the instrument is now ready for the next stage in the project”.

“Once the necessary regulatory checks have been done on the equipment, we look forward to starting the experimental work in earnest later this year, and to seeing what can be achieved with the system. I’m optimistic about the capabilities of Iconeus One, and very much hope that it will mark the start of a revolution in how we diagnose and treat neurodevelopmental disorders”.

In conclusion, the delivery of an Iconeus One system for a clinical research application is a pivotal moment for Iconeus. It is certainly a privilege to have a role in this important project, and the whole Iconeus team will be eagerly anticipating the first results when they come through.

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