Directed Systems Secures NIHR Grant to Advance Hypotension Decision Assist, Supporting Patient Safety and Reducing NHS waiting lists

Intra-operative hypotension – low blood pressure – (IOH) is a critical concern for patients undergoing anaesthesia during surgery, leading to potential complications such as kidney injuries, strokes, and heart attacks. Directed Systems’ HDA technology is designed to assist anaesthetists in predicting and managing IOH, providing real-time, evidence-based guidance to improve outcomes and reduce post-operative complications and costs.

The NIHR grant will support Directed Systems in collaboration with Professor Tom Clutton-Brock and the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Devices, Digital and Robotics (HRC-DDR) at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. The project focuses on adapting the HDA software to obtain CE and UKCA regulatory approvals, meet NHS digital standards and integrate seamlessly into NHS workflows.

“We are thrilled to have NIHR’s support and the opportunity to work with Professor Clutton-Brock and his team. This grant allows us to adapt our Hypotension Decision Assist software for the NHS, aiming to reduce surgical complications and improve patient outcomes,” said Mark Leaning, PhD, CEO of Directed Systems.

“The NIHR HRC-DDR is delighted to be able to continue its long and successful relationship with Directed Systems. HDA has the very real potential to reduce mortality, complications and costs in patients undergoing major surgery in the NHS,” said Professor Tom Clutton-Brock, MBE, Clinical Director of the NIHR HRC-DDR.

The project aligns with Directed Systems’ commitment to improving cardiovascular care through innovation, data analytics, and AI-driven insights. It is anticipated that this project will pave the way for wider adoption of HDA technology within the NHS, offering a scalable solution to a pervasive clinical challenge.

For more information, please contact:

Mark Leaning PhD 

CEO

Directed Systems Ltd 

+44 (0) 7552 747389

markleaning@directedsystems.com 

www.directedsystems.com

Notes to editors:

About NIHR

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. 

We do this by:

  • funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care
  • investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services
  • partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research
  • attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges
  • collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system
  • funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low and middle income countries

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. 

Our work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK international development funding from the UK government.