NON-INVASIVE BIOMEDICAL INSTRUMENTATION OPPORTUNITIES POC: NASA Langley Research Center, Industry Assistance Office, Mailstop 144, Hampton, VA 23681-0001. In order that potential participants may learn of non-invasive biomedical instrumentation opportunities, an advanced notice is published here. Five medical device technologies resulting from NASA Langley Research Center's expertise in instrumentation design and development and nondestructive measurement science are available for joint development activities and licensing. A method to measure the thickness of the diaphragm in real time with an ultrasonic device and display variations in diaphragm thickness versus time is realized by a non-invasive evaluation of diaphragm function technology (Patent Application #8/195,500). By having a patient attempt to maintain a constant breathing pattern against two different pressures, one can calculate a quantitative value for the reserve fatigue capacity of the diaphragm. Information about pressure ulcers is provided by a ultrasonic system that discriminates between healthy versus necrotic tissue in the region of existing or incipient pressure ulcers. This technology offers the potential for a non-invasive monitoring method to detect pressure ulcer formation while still reversible. It also may be used to discriminate that margins of degenerative tissue in a erupted pressure sore. The intracranial pressure measurement (Patent Application #8/297,474) technology consists of an ultrasonic instrument for the indirect measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) and a calibration procedure to determine absolute values of ICP and pressure volume index. Remote monitoring of ICP reduces the risk of infection from in-dwelling transcranial probes or pressure catheters. A prototype circumferential pressure probe (Patent #4,873,990) has been developed and tested for urodynamic pressure measurement in the bladder and at several points along the urethra in the region of the sphincter muscle. The probe consists of a flexible catheter with a central lumen for fluid insertion/withdrawal. The sensing region of the catheter contains a series of strain gauge sensors designed to measure true circumferential pressure rather than pressure at an isolated ``window''. The fifth medical technology consists of a new x-ray detector for use in digital mammography, consisting of a mosaic of commercially available CCD arrays that provide the advantages of digital detection in a large format array. The large field of view and high sensitivity enable this device to potentially be used for screening mammography, providing enhanced detection of early breast cancer which is characterized by small and potentially obscure features of interest. This notice announces NASA's interest and desire to enter a joint development and commercialization agreement with private industry to advance the development and testing of these technologies, and to transfer NASA's existing proprietary technology(s) and that resulting from joint work under the development agreements(s) by making it available for license to the joint participants(s) in accordance with NASA's Patent Licensing Regulations. Accordingly, a technical briefing will be held in mid March 1995 at NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681-0001 to describe the technology, outline the planned Space Act agreement, and explain the process and criteria under which NASA will select a participant(s). Interested organizations should submit an expression of interest and a statement of qualification, including: technical experience and competence in the technologies of interest, related manufacturing capabilities, experience in commercializing similar products, marketing organization (including resources and capabilities to reach and support targeted markets), and financial status of the firm. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by NASA nor will NASA pay for the information solicited. Respondents will not automatically be notified of the results of the evaluation, but those deemed fully qualified will be considered in any resulting requirement. This is not an announcement of an RFP. Expressions of interest should be submitted by February 10, 1995. Requests for additional information should be directed to Dr. Frank Farmer, (804)864-2490 or Marisol Romero (804)864-5355.

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