Irish researcher’s analysis leads to first stroke trial that reads blood clots from the inside

Clot analysis by Prof Karen Doyle contributed to development of Clotild guidewire, with positive results found in trial of 41 patients

Scientists at University of Galway have taken part in a first-in-human study on stroke patients using a thin wire fitted with sensors to assess and map the clot they have experienced.

The study involved the use of a guidewire called Clotild , which has been developed by medtech company, Sensome. It can navigate arteries through a catheter, with tiny electrical sensors built into its tip, moving through a clot and continuously measuring how well different tissues conduct a small current.

Red blood cells, platelets and arterial walls each have distinct electrical ‘fingerprints’ which can be individually identified in real-time by the device’s prediction model.

Prof Karen Doyle, University of Galway. Pic: Martina Regan.