## Medical treatment technology, Diagnostic technology

## Life Sciences

## Development of “Abches” – Respiratory Monitoring Devise

Keyword: Radiation therapy, Stereotactic irradiation ensuring high positioning accuracy, Respiratory monitoring devise “Abches”

## Organizations Involved

O Hiroshi Onishi, Associate Professor,

Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Yamanashi Hospital

○ Hiroki Sano, Chief Technologist, Department of Radiation Oncology,

University of Yamanashi Hospital

○ Hideyuki Kawakami, President, APEX Medical Inc.

【Abstract】 The Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Yamanashi Hospital developed a prototype of respiratory monitoring device on the basis of their own requirements during CT examination and radiotherapy. The device allows the patient to monitor his/her own respiratory status to stably control the depth and cycle of his/her own respiration, resulting in an excellent accuracy in irradiation control. The institution applied for a patent on the device on May, 2005. APEX Medical Inc. obtained the patent license, succeeded in the development of the practical product “Abches”, and launched the product in the market after the completing the duly procedure in accordance with the pharmaceutical affairs law.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

The stereotactic irradiation required expensive and complicated systems to monitor and compensate the organs motion caused by respiration. The cost-effective Abches has a simple structure that allows the patient to monitor his/her own respiration status and notify his/her breath holding phase to the operator, resulting in an innovative stereotactic protocol assuring high positioning accuracy made possible by the patient-operator collaboration. The monitoring device converts the movement of contacts on the thoracic and abdominal surfaces to the corresponding dial angle, a mechanism that requires no electricity. The resin formation manufacturing method minimizes the use of metal, enabling it for use in CT, MR and PET scanning.

## Market Impact

Following several trial manufactures, evaluation in the university hospital and completion of the duly procedure in accordance with the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, APEX Medical Inc., launched the product “Abches - Respiratory Monitoring Device” in market. The product is highly evaluated for its operational simplicity and time efficiency in the actual clinical situation and 28 units were installed in the first year, recording the higher sales than expected for the 2006 fiscal year.

M.D.

H.Onishi

Technologist

H.Sano

Presiden

H.Kawakami

## Project Background

Radiologists in practice gave idea for the product and developed the prototype that obtained the patent. Apex Medical Inc. recognized the marketability of the product and obtained the manufacture and marketing rights to develop a novel enterprise in the radiology field.

## Funding History

“Abches” in use

1. Grants in Aid for Scientific Research for Young Scientists B in the fiscal year 2004

2\. Selected for the university strategic project in the fiscal year 2005

## I ntellectual property protection

“Respiratory monitoring device with multipoint contacts”

Publication #: 2006-263461(JP)

## “Abches” appearance

## Turning point in the Project

The urgent necessity in the radiologists’ routine gave birth to the innovative prototype which was rapidly developed and commercialized in collaboration with a manufacturer specializing in radiation therapy devices.