Near-Infrared Fluorescent Fibrinogen for Optical Imaging of Thrombosis and Hemorrhage (BIDMC 872)

Category:    Medical Imaging

KeyWords:  Molecular Imaging;  

BIDMC ID:    872

Abstract:

Introduction: Intra-abdominal hemorrhage is often difficult to localize. This is particularly true of gastrointestinal hemorrhage where bleeding is intermittent, though severe. In this report, we describe the utilization of a novel method for the accurate localization of GI bleeding that uses near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent fibrinogen (Fibr800). Since this test localizes thrombus, rather that extravasation of blood from a vessel, it does not require active bleeding at the time of diagnosis. Pathological thrombosis and bleeding can be difficult to identify intraoperatively and endoscopically. A common clinical problem is that bleeding from a particular site is severe yet intermittent. A near-infrared fluorescent fibrinogen would permit optical imaging of bleeding sites, even long after obvious bleeding has stopped, since a fresh clot remains enzymatically active with respect to the clotting cascade. This invention is a covalent conjugate of a near-infrared fluorophore and the naturally occurring molecule fibrinogen.

Inventor:   John V. Frangioni, M.D., Ph.D., Shunsuke Onishi, M.D., Ph.D., Seth J. Karp, M.D.

Commercial Opportunity:

1) Detection of sites of active or recent bleeding during open surgery, thus permitting image-guided surgery, and directed therapy. 2) Detection of sites of active or recent bleeding during fiberoscopy (e.g., endoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, etc.) thus permitting image-guided therapy.

Competitive Advantages:

1) Sensitive 2) Non-radioactive 3) Can be used with either open surgery or minimally-invasive techniques 4) Composed of non-toxic components 5) Interfaces well with existing NIR fluorescence imaging systems

Related Publications:

State of Development:

Related Technology URL:

http://research.bidmc.harvard.edu/research/ResearchPIInfo.ASP?Submit=Display&PersonID=206

Patent Status:

TVO Contact Info:
     Catherine M Lenich
     Senior Associate TVO
     clenich@bidmc.harvard.edu
     Phone: 617-667-0568   Fax: 617-667-0646

     Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
     Technology Ventures Office  Room: BR-0200
     330 Brookline Avenue
     Boston, MA 02215