Accurate Assessment of Otitis Media
OtoNexus Medical Technologies’ state-of-the-art advanced ultrasound otoscope analyzes the presence and type of effusion so that primary care pediatricians can instantly and accurately assess middle ear infections. This type of information has never been available before without an invasive procedure.
OtoNexus Medical Technologies medical device detects bacterial fluid in middle ear infections.
The device resembles a traditional otoscope and can fit in a lab coat pocket, but that is where the similarities end. The OtoNexus advanced ultrasound otoscope leverages the capabilities of a unique and patented ultrasound technology to assess the presence and type of infection in children and adults. Unlike other ultrasound technology, this device does not utilize ultrasound gel, but instead works through the air, making it ideal for use in the ear. In addition, it can take photos and videos for easy reference and sharing with patients and parents.
The device provides data in seconds and is easy to use by physicians or non-physician personnel worldwide. A tool that provides a quantitative, definitive approach to the diagnosis of middle ear infections is essential for treatment. At last, clinicians will have a tool to determine the smart use of antibiotics. Definitive, objective diagnostic data identifying both the presence and the type of infection will lead to improved patient outcomes, better and faster treatment, reduced antibiotic usage, and significantly reduced healthcare costs.
Find Out Why Accurate Diagnosis Is Crucial
Improve Clinical Outcomes
Nearly every child in America (93%) will suffer at least one middle ear infection (otitis media) severe enough to see a doctor, and most will experience repeat occurrences, up to a dozen or more in childhood. These painful episodes are difficult for children, parents, and caregivers. Accurate diagnosis of Acute Otitis Media in infants and young children may be difficult.
Clinical studies show diagnostic error rates averaging 50 percent, particularly in the vital key differentiation of whether or not to prescribe an antibiotic. As a result, patients are often given ineffective treatment and are referred to specialists more often than necessary.
Decrease Antibiotic Use
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued strong new guidelines in 2013 for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Acute Otitis Media. These guidelines focus on reducing the use of antibiotics and increasing scrutiny on accuracy in diagnoses, stating, among other things, that antibiotics should only be prescribed when the diagnosis is unequivocal.
Unfortunately, with current tools and techniques, the diagnoses are rarely unequivocal. The guidelines are well-intentioned, but existing diagnostic tools don't help physicians tell the difference between viral and bacterial infections.
Further, in 2015, the White House set a goal to cut the number of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in half by 2020 as part of a plan to combat drug-resistant bacteria known as “superbugs.” In light of this mandate, the OtoNexus device is especially relevant.
Reduce Health Care Costs
The OtoNexus ultrasound device will allow practitioners to increase the quality of care they provide to patients and improve outcomes by significantly improving diagnostic accuracy and certainty. It will also reduce the unnecessary prescriptions of antibiotics, which in-turn will reduce antibiotic side effects and the cost of their treatment, as well as societal impacts such as the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
In addition to improving patient outcomes through improved diagnostic accuracy, the OtoNexus device will have an enormous impact on reducing health care costs for this pervasive and highly disruptive medical problem.
