Research & Innovation

A Louth-based firm in collaboration with researchers from Trinity College Dublin has invented a ‘Cool Brain’ device designed to cool the brain in the event of a stroke, heart attack or brain trauma and thus save lives.

Dundalk company Eurolec Instrumentation is looking to commercialise a technology it has patented called ‘Cool Brain’.

The device is designed to cool the brain at the earliest possibility in the event of a stroke, heart attack or brain trauma to effect the best possible prognosis. Following the recent tragic accident that befell racing driver Michael Schumacher when skiing, the device is topical and relevant.

The device was developed in collaboration with researchers from Trinity College Dublin’s neuroscience department.

Eurolec Instrumentation’s managing director Tom Mears said the device, a kind of cooling cap, can be charged for one-hour via mains or a 12v paramedic vehicle battery.

“My company has been examining methods of modifying the device to improve the performance. We’re endeavouring to liaise with medical consultants to use the technology for other applications, such as transporting harvested human organs with strict temperature limits or accelerating soft tissue healing in sports and veterinary applications with pads that can heat or cool.”

Mears said the plan is to commercialise the product through a spin-out company called Oriel Medical Devices and is open to discussing the technology with medical consultants and investors.

“Traditionally, our experience has not been in the area of medical devices but this has really opened our eyes to a whole new range of opportunities and we’re interested in working with entrepreneurs who can help us to bring this further.

“We’re convinced there are global opportunities for this technology,” Mears said.