One can almost not imagine a world without technology these days. So, it makes sense that advancements in the medtech space moves into the arena of neurological conditions.
ICP (Intracranial pressure) monitoring
The physical sensor I had placed in 2021 to have ICP monitoring done. What can I say, I like souvenirs. My neurosurgeon was good enough to indulge me, this time.
From a reactive invasive state, placing the sensor inside the catheter, and feeding the length of it (just over 20cm) into the ventricles to monitor intracranial pressure…
TO
The Kitea sensor – A proactive approach.
The sheer size in comparison is not lost on me…just saying!
The sensor is “placed directly into the cortex at roughly the same angle as a shunt catheter. The end on dimension of the sensor is 2 x 3 mm i.e. about the same size as a shunt.” – Simon Malpas
The best part for me about this sensor: A patient can check their pressure at home! It eliminates second-guessing, medical gaslighting and delays in care when shunts fail. This is especially beneficial when that failure presents intermittently!
Don’t just take my word for it
“The problem is that patients and parents don’t know that a shunt has failed until symptoms start presenting, These symptoms can be as familiar as irritability, a headache or nausea – conditions that parents see in their children almost weekly. With no way to determine whether the shunt has failed, parents often rush to the hospital for expensive tests, including CT or MRI scans, to determine whether the life-saving shunt is still working as it’s meant to.”
Read more here.
Dr Heppner explains that this leads to enormous anxiety among patients and parents while also leading to an unnecessary strain on the already-stretched healthcare system. “Doctors see false alarms in 70 percent of cases, meaning that those expensive tests are unnecessary more often than not. The families simply go home and wait anxiously for the next time that those tell-tale symptoms present.” says Dr Heppner.
BTW. Dr Peter Heppner performed my ICP monitoring back in 2018 when I travelled from Wellington to Auckland, (correctly) suspecting intermittent ETV failure. However, at the time it didn’t show any issues. I have to add, with the beauty of hindsight, it was an expected result given the test was done weeks after I had been symptomatic. This is why pressure monitoring at the time of being symptomatic is what is needed. The Kitea sensor provides that, from what I can see.
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated financially or otherwise with Kitea Health.
When your heart is in the right place only good things can follow
Having met Dr Heppner, I can say he is one of the good ones. Sadly, many neurosurgeons are known for having a bad bedside manner. Truthfully, it is very off-putting, especially given the fact that they literally get to mess with your head. But, he is definitely not one of them based on my first impression of him. Also, I personally look forward to meeting Simon face-to-face. My impression of him is the same as Dr Heppner, a kind soul with good intentions using his skills, knowledge and talents to help others – based on my interaction with him thus far.
I’m excited to hear more about it at the upcoming Hydrocephalus Conference in Melbourne next week: 8-9 November 2025!
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