## Medical treatment technology, Diagnostic technology

## Life Sciences

# Development of Pharyngeal Cooling Cuff

Keyword: Brain Resuscitation, Judgment of Marketability, Relationship of mutual trust

Organizations Involved

○ Y. Takeda, Assistant Professor, Okayama University Hospital

K. Morita, Professor, Okayama University

☐ T. Kobayashi, Group leader, Daiken Medical Co., Ltd.

☐ K. Yamada, President, COO, Daiken Medical Co., Ltd.

【Abstract】 Okayama University developed a pharyngeal cooling method that enabled a 4 ℃ decrease in brain temperature within 30 minutes. Since bilateral common carotid arteries exist at about 1 centimeter from the pharynx, cooling the pharyngeal region decreases carotid arterial temperature and subsequently decreases brain temperature before lowering cardiac temperature. Thus, pharyngeal cooling enables selective brain cooling without decreasing cardiac and body temperature. Daiken Medical Co., Ltd. had developed a tracheal cuff for single lung ventilation. After entering into a patent licensing agreement, we began collaboration for the development of a pharyngeal cooling cuff.

## 【Summary of the technology transfer】

## Technological Impact

## Market Impact

Since the pharyngeal cooling cuff is a medical device, it will take several years to receive government approval. Daiken Medical Co., Ltd. estimates its market value as follows:

Body surface cooling induces hypothermia, and consequently many kinds of cooling instruments have been developed. However, the pharynx has not yet been considered an object of cooling. As pharyngeal cooling is a very efficient method of cooling the brain selectively, various instruments for the purpose of pharyngeal cooling will be developed following this technology transfer.

O Market value of pharyngeal cooling cuff -

3.7 billion yen.

○Market value of irrigator -

4.1 billion yen.

## ● Social Impact

Hypothermia is the only effective treatment for improving post-resuscitation neurological prognosis. Pharyngeal cooling enables cerebral protection without missing the Therapeutic Time Window due to the rapid decrease in brain temperature. In addition, selectively cooling the brain leads to a cure with no complications.

## ●Special Features of the Collaboration

Technology transfer negotiation has remained an unfamiliar process since the onset of research collaborations between universities and companies; however, Okayama TLO helped smooth the negotiation and also the collaborative development.

Y.Takeda

K.Morita

## Project Background

Professor Morita briefed Daiken Medical Co., Ltd. on pharyngeal cooling. Daiken recognized its marketability and its social value, and decided to obtain a license.

## Funding History

1.2007 – 2009 Grant from Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

### 2.2006

·Grant from Japan Science and Technology Agency

· Grant from Medical Techno Okayama

## I ntellectual property protection

Brain cooling apparatus and fluid injection apparatus:

Japan Patent 3702295

International Patent WO 2005/097016

T.Kobayashi

K.Yamada

## Pharyngeal Cooling Cuff Esophageal cuff

Irrigation tube

The pharyngeal cuff is placed in the pharynx and upper esophagus. Physiological saline ( $ 5\ ^{\circ}C $ ) is perfused into the cuff. Brain temperature is lowered by $ 4\ ^{\circ}C $ within 30 min without lowering systemic temperature. Use of pharyngeal cooling during resuscitation enables a decrease in excitatory amino acid levels and intra cranial pressure. This system rapidly decreases brain temperature, compared to systematic cooling methods (several hours).

## Turning point in the Project

○ Develop a therapeutic technique required by patients.

○ Establish a relationship of mutual trust with companies.

○ Become familiar with those who understand the research.

For more information, contact: Tomomi Kiguchi, Research Cooperation and Planning Division, Okayama University, +81-86-251-7116, kiguchi-t@adm.okayama-u.ac.jp