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Excellence in science can be seen in early technology pioneers like Henry Ford, and Wilber and Oroville Wright. Each had a personal passion vested in their work - that drove them to excellence in science. But mostly, they were committed to seeing their technology (automobiles, airplanes, respectively) become a reality, despite fierce criticism from industry and colleagues. At Dolle Communications, we are also committed to excellence in science. The links at left detail our initiatives where excellence in science, and innovation, sits front and center.

The DiaCeph Test was the first non-invasive test for monitoring CNS shunt operation. Test inventor, Stephen Dolle, felt the same personal passion as did Ford and the Wright brothers. As a patient user with a CNS shunt implanted in his brain in order to live a normal life, Stephen knew the type of innovations that were necessary in order for he and others with his condition (hydrocephalus) to live a normal life. In 1997, he completed the design of his DiaCeph Test and used it to successfully direct his Feb. 1998 shunt revision. After petitioning the FDA on diagnostic challenges affecting CNS shunts, he drew up a series of algorithms that enabled him to non-invasively determine what was wrong with his shunt - a method hailed by Dr. Eldon Foltz, of the University of California at Irvine, as "the formula [he] had sought for years." Upon completion and validation, Stephen named it the "DiaCeph Test." Stephen's 17-year career in nuclear medical imaging and physics provided the requisite knowledge in drafting the algorithms. The photo of Stephen above depicts the image of a true pioneer and innovator.

DiaCeph Test Predicts Perfect Outcome with OSV-2

Stephen recently received great news in follow-up to revision with the OSV-2 shunt. This progress came about after DiaCeph monitoring data was analyzed in tandem with bench tests data provided by Dr. Alfred Aschoff, University of Heidelberg. SEE his Shunt Selection Model paper to read how his DiaCeph model picked the OSV-2 as an ideal match.

Satellites and Shunts Have More in Common

Stephen's DiaCeph Monitoring System is similar in many ways to the "Mariner Satellite" pictured below. The DiaCeph Test, like the Mariner Satellite, integrates an interactive AI (artificial intelligence) design into its programming. But, whereas DiaCeph monitors the neurological condition, hydrocephalus, the Mariner is monitoring activity on the surface on the planets and stars. And DiaCeph too enables real time monitoring. In March 2007, DiaCeph was submitted into the American Electronics Association (AeA) 2007 High Technology Awards Contest, where it fared well with this Awards Presentation and 2007 Application.

CNS shunts involve fairly complicated consideration of fluid flows, gravitational forces,  device opening pressures, performance measurements, and device failure. Like most complex things, there are proven methods through which one should approach them. When CNS shunts fail to operate as intended, this is usually accompanied by specific criteria, or complaint parameters, that emerge from the user that can be quantified and analyzed, and made into a probable determination of device status. Here is our recommended Codman programmable shunt method for determining the most physiologic setting in user patients. The DiaCeph Test allows for physiologic in-vivo performance comparison of selected pressure settings in programmable shunts, and similarly, can be used in tandem with a single ICP tap to ascertain additional information on shunt setting and shunt patency. A more detailed look at CNS shunt operation is explained through this Shunt Technology Perspectives presentation by Aschoff et. al. from the University of Heidelberg. 

The DiaCeph Test employs a sophisticated software program that runs on today's handheld PDAs and mobile phones, and connects to a PC or Internet network for display of results. DiaCeph's proprietary protocol and algorithms non-invasively track shunt performance data and generate a diagnostic profile on the user-patient. Up to 15 separate states of shunt malfunction and hydrocephalus are assessed. When used regularly, DiaCeph can dramatically improve the outlook for most patients with hydrocephalus.

In 1999, the DiaCeph Test was featured in the Orange County Business Journal. A patent was issued in 2001, with a second patent optioned. Patent representation has been provided by the prestigious firm of Knobbe Martens Olsen & Bear.  The name DiaCeph comes from two words: "Dia" to diagnose, and "Ceph" referring to the brain. In 1997, AI monitoring and disease algorithms were very new. Today, new applications of AI in Medical Devices are on the rise in disease management (asthma, congestive heart failure, diabetes), medical imaging, hospital monitoring, medical devices, and in patient data mining.

For more information, see DiaCeph Patent.