In a groundbreaking development, Israeli company EyeControl has unveiled a wearable device that is transforming communication for patients in intensive care units (ICUs). The device, originally intended for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has expanded its applications to benefit ICU patients, including combat soldiers, by enabling them to communicate with medical staff and loved ones through eye gestures and a bone conduction headset.

The success story begins with combat soldier Yoav Tzivoni, who had been hospitalized in intensive care for six months after sustaining serious injuries in the northern Gaza Strip. Upon awakening, Tzivoni surprisingly requested his favorite heavy metal music. This remarkable moment was made possible when a nurse texted EyeControl and informed them of Tzivoni's request. Michal Finkelstein, a product specialist and speech and language pathologist, recalls the excitement and joy she felt upon hearing the news.

EyeControl allows patients, even those on ventilators, to hear recorded messages from their loved ones and listen to personal music preferences. This revolutionary technology not only improves clinical outcomes and prevents cognitive decline but also enhances the overall patient and family experience. Currently being tested in renowned university hospitals in Israel and beyond, EyeControl aims to reduce delirium in ICU patients.

Dr. Ami Mayo, director of critical care at Assuta Ashdod's ICU, expresses his satisfaction with the success of EyeControl. He highlights the challenges of monitoring cognition and awakening in critical care, stating that sedated patients in the ICU often experience artificial sleep, which can lead to nightmares, post-traumatic stress disorder, and delirium. EyeControl provides a solution by playing familiar sounds, reducing the negative side effects of sedation and enabling medical teams to monitor patients' responses.

The widespread interest in EyeControl's potential has led to its participation in multi-center clinical trials. With support from the Israel-US Binational Industrial Research and Development fund (BIRD), EyeControl is currently being tested at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Assuta Ashdod, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus in Petah Tikva, and will soon commence a trial at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. These trials aim to demonstrate the reduction of ICU delirium, a costly phenomenon.

EyeControl's rapid expansion and evolving functionality have caught the attention of investors such as the European Bank and Google's AI Fund. The company is now operating under Clalit, Israel's largest health fund, and is in the process of implementing the technology in selected sites across the United States.

Noa Mintz, responsible for clinical and business development in the US, lauds the positive response from various stakeholders in the American healthcare system. The technology bridges the gap between clinicians, patients, and their loved ones, empowering families to actively participate in patient care even in life-threatening situations.

EyeControl remains committed to its core purpose, prioritizing the well-being of patients and their families. The emotional connections made with soldiers and their families have left a lasting impact on the company's product specialist, Michal Finkelstein. EyeControl's founder and CEO, Or Reitzin, also expresses deep gratitude for the opportunity to support every patient, with a special focus on soldiers. In addition, EyeControl is actively involved in supporting the memory of fallen soldiers through its collaboration with Itzhar Shay's Next October Initiative, which aims to establish new tech start-ups in their honor.

As EyeControl continues to make strides in the realm of medical technology, it seeks to revolutionize the ICU environment, providing patients with a means of communication and comfort, while facilitating better care and improving outcomes for all.