The real value of the innovation is in the AI Decision Support system.
Our patent-pending innovation uses a fuzzy logic algorithm alongside a neural network to impart the experience of an otolaryngologist to a computer to help with the diagnostic process.
Diagnosing BPPV is difficult and the misdiagnosis rate in ER is a whooping 74-81%. The process requires interpretation of eye movements (called nystagmus) to diagnose which channels have the loose crystals inside. Our patented algorithm instructs the robotic chair to move from one diagnostic maneuver to another while evaluating the nystagmus movements. After executing all four diagnostic maneuvers the fuzzy algorithm embedded inside the computer recommends one or more treatment maneuvers to the medical professional. Upon getting approval from the medical professional operating the device, the Robotic System executes treatment maneuvers one after another. After completion of treatment maneuvers, control maneuvers are executed to see if the patient is fully recovered. If necessary treatment maneuvers are repeated until the patient recovers fully.
Another very interesting patent has been applied for the BPPV patients with “no nystagmus”. These patients are BPPV patients but they show no “nystagmus” during the BPPV attack. These patients are very difficult to diagnose and treat because a medical professional has no way of diagnosing the patient by observing the nystagmus of the patient.
We have developed a patent-pending algorithm for these patients who show no nystagmus or very weak nystagmus. This is a “first” in the world. With these additions, our AI-based Decision Support system is ready to tackle almost all BPPV cases.
We believe the RMs and the AI-Decision Support can benefit millions of patients visiting ER for this reason. By placing the units in every ER, and training ER physicians to use them we can cut down on a 70-month long, 7-time visit recovery period to a 20-minute diagnostic + treatment session.
Since BPPV is especially prevalent among the elderly, they have a higher risk of BPPV-induced falls risk. Statistically one out of every five elderly who falls and have a hip fracture dies because of complications within one year. We believe the elderly will especially benefit from our innovation.