New scan spots heart disease years before symptoms

Fast-RSOM is a breakthrough portable imaging system that detects early microvascular dysfunction—a precursor to heart disease—years before symptoms appear. The technology uses fast raster-scan optoacoustic mesoscopy to visualize the smallest blood vessels non-invasively through the skin. Our mission is to transform preventive cardiology by enabling routine, early detection of cardiovascular risk during regular checkups. The target market includes primary care clinics, cardiology departments, and wellness centers. The system will initially be deployed in clinical settings, with a long-term vision of becoming a standard screening tool for adults over 40, similar to blood pressure monitors.

Fast-RSOM positions itself as the first non-invasive, portable solution for direct measurement of microvascular health—a true biomarker of early cardiovascular disease. Unlike traditional risk calculators (e.g., Framingham) that rely on population statistics, or existing imaging (CT, MRI) that detects later-stage structural changes, fast-RSOM captures real-time functional changes in microvessels. It fills a critical gap between risk prediction and late diagnosis. The value proposition is earlier intervention, personalized prevention plans, and reduced long-term healthcare costs. The portable design allows use outside radiology suites, making it accessible for routine screenings.

• Non-invasive imaging through skin—no needles, dyes, or radiation
• Portable, clinic-friendly device for point-of-care use
• High-resolution visualization of microvessels (< 100 µm diameter)
• Quantitative metrics of vascular dysfunction (e.g., perfusion, compliance)
• Fast scan times (< 10 minutes) suitable for routine checkups
• Cloud-enabled analytics for longitudinal tracking and risk scoring
• User-friendly interface for clinicians with automated reporting

Indirect competitors include traditional imaging modalities: coronary CT angiography (HeartFlow, Canon), cardiac MRI (Siemens, GE), and PET perfusion scans—all costly, non‑portable, and detect later‑stage disease. Direct competitors are few: emerging technologies like Cleerly (AI‑based CT analysis) and pulse‑wave velocity devices assess arterial stiffness but lack microvascular resolution. Fast‑RSOM’s unique advantage is direct, functional imaging of microvessels at the point of care. Barriers to entry are high due to proprietary optoacoustic technology and clinical validation required, but academic groups (Helmholtz Munich/TUM) are advancing similar research.

Revenue streams: (1) Device sales (expected price $150K–$250K per unit), (2) Annual service/software subscriptions ($20K–$40K per device), (3) Per‑scan fee model for high‑volume screening centers. Initial customers will be flagship hospitals and premium clinics. Partnerships with medical‑imaging distributors and EMR vendors will accelerate deployment. Long‑term, data‑as‑a‑service offerings (aggregated, anonymized microvascular data for pharma/research) provide additional revenue. Pricing will be competitive with mid‑range ultrasound systems. Sales strategy: direct sales to top‑tier institutions, followed by channel partnerships for broader clinic rollout. Break‑even projected within 3 years post‑FDA clearance.