Medical technology developer ImpediMed expects to undertake clinical trials of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) to detect fluid levels in chronic heart failure patients.
ImpediMed on Monday said it had established a medical advisory board to advise the company on the trials' design.
Bioimpedance technology involves applying a very mild electrical current to the body with the body's resistance to the current measured by sophisticated electronics.
The measurements can provide useful information on a patient's fat mass, fat-free mass and fluid levels.
Detailed knowledge of fluid levels is useful in the treatment of heart failure, cardiovascular complications, potential adverse events in dialysis patients, chronic swelling and lymphoedema (localised fluid retention).
Improving fluid and body composition measurements can lead to better treatment outcomes.
"Management of heart failure is currently a major challenge for patients, their physicians and healthcare systems," Harvard Clinical Research Institute chief scientific adviser Dr Laura Mauri said.
"We intend to work together to develop clinical studies that will establish whether detection of fluid overload with this non-invasive technology can be used to improve care."
The medical advisory board will work closely with Dr Mauri on how to incorporate bioimpedance spectroscopy in fluid monitoring and management of chronic heart failure patients.
ImpediMed has already launched a device in the United States, called L-Dex, which can be used to detect lymphoedema.
Shares in ImpediMed closed 0.5 cents lower at $1.075.
