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ISSYS Is Developing A New Generation Of MEMS-Based, Intelligent, High-Performance Catheters That Will Revolutionize Medical Diagnoses

Ypsilanti, MI --Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISSYS) announced that the National Institute of Health awarded them a grant dedicated to develop catheters using up to 32 micromachined (MEMS), pressure sensors to measure gastrointestinal tract functions.

These products will significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of the 19 million Americans that suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and patients with swallowing disorders. Dr. Ray Clouse of Washington University in St. Louis stated, "these devices will simplify methods used to detect underlying motility disturbances of the esophagus and gut while enhancing accuracy over present methods. The benefits will be apparent both to the patients and their clinicians. Better information will consistently be obtained, a factor that will reduce the healthcare costs for patients with these common problems."

At present, measurement of the swallowing function is seldom used in clinical settings due to the lengthy procedure time, patient discomfort, poor reliability and high expense. "Our catheters will eliminate those problems," said Dr. Collin Rich, the project's director. "By stringing 32 of our advanced sensors inside a catheter, we improve the accuracy of each measurement and eliminate the need to reposition the catheter for multiple measurements." The company estimated that final products should cost less than $1,000, a great improvement compared to present systems, costing between $5,000 and $10,000. "The improvement over conventional systems is astounding," says Dr. Clouse. "The value of high resolution pressure measurement in the gastrointestinal tract already is apparent. The technological advancement provided by these new sensors will make the use of such techniques practical in the average clinical setting."

Dr. Nader Najafi, ISSYS CEO, stated, "It's very gratifying to see such interest from NIH and the medical community in using our advanced micromachining technology to improve quality and reduce cost of health care. Their support is critical in our extending sensing technology into new product areas that will eventually span acute use, disposable products, like cardiac catheters; to chronic wireless implantable systems like those we're developing to monitor intracranial pressure for hydrocephalus patients." ISSYS is pursuing the design and manufacturing of a variety of high-performance, intelligent catheters.

"The Michigan Economic Development Corporation appreciates the fact that ISSYS' work is being recognized and funded by an organization as prestigious as the NIH," said Doug Rothwell, MEDC president and CEO. "These grants will greatly assist in the commercialization of the company's medical MEMS products, which hold vast potential for creating economic growth and new jobs for Michigan workers."

ISSYS is a leader in advanced micromachining technologies for medical, microfluidic and industrial sensing applications. Founded in 1995 it operates its multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art MEMS fabrication facilities in Ypsilanti, MI. For more information, visit http://www.mems-issys.com/

SOURCE Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc. (ISSYS)

Contact: Jennifer Baird of Integrated Sensing Systems, Inc., (734) 547-9896 Ext. 105, or jbaird@mems-issys.com