CONFERENCE
Programme: Biomedical and Photonics research platform for innovative products
Project Title: Continuous Capillary Refill Monitor for Critical Care Microcirculation Assessment - CaReSense
Project number: OSI_PIP_BioPhoT-2025/2-0002 / VPP2024/51-2-2
Research manager: Dr. Phys. Andris Grabovskis
Structural unit: Biophotonics Laboratory, Institute of Atomic Physics and Spectroscopy, FST, UL
Implementation time: 18.03.2026-17.11.2026
Total project cost: 190 000 EUR
Expected results:
- Submission of an application to an international or national research and development project call – 1
- Increase in the initial TRL level of the development by 1 (one) unit – 1
- Prototype of a new product or new technology – 1
- New therapeutic and diagnostic methods (including non-commercializable methods) – 1
- Other research-specific PIP results to be achieved in accordance with the PIP tasks specified in the PIP application, which supplement the aforementioned – 1
Project Summary: CThe CaReSense commercialisation project aims to develop an innovative, cost-effective, capillary refill (CR) based technique for continuous microcirculation monitoring in intensive care units (ICUs), particularly for septic shock patients, while advancing technology transfer and market entry. Traditional hemodynamic monitoring often fails to detect microcirculatory impairments, leading to suboptimal treatment decisions. Existing CRT methods are manual, subjective, and intermittent. This project addresses key challenges such as optical path stability, reperfusion curve quantification, and standardization. The prototype includes a fingertip unit with servo mechanics, green LEDs, a photodiode, and an infrared thermometer, connected to a bedside processing unit. It delivers 5–6 real-time readings per minute, using advanced algorithms to analyze abnormal curves and identify sepsis-specific issues. Advancing from TRL3 to TRL4, the project involves preclinical validation with healthy volunteers and ICU patients, development of examination protocols, and a commercialization strategy covering market analysis, IP protection, and stakeholder engagement. Expected impacts include improved diagnostic accuracy, reduced healthcare costs, and better patient outcomes through scalable adoption. A multidisciplinary team from the University of Latvia and Riga East University Hospital will implement through development, validation, and market analysis.
Key words: critical care, microcirculation, biophotonics