Burl’s Foqus Ultrasound System for Detecting PFO Used in First-in-Human Cases

January 29, 2026—Burl Concepts, a developer of a test for evaluating cerebral blood flow and detecting emboli, announced the first human uses of the company’s Foqus ultrasound system for detection of brain emboli. The system was used to identify patent foramen ovale (PFO) in 30 patients in the Netherlands and United Kingdom.

The company stated that Foqus, which is powered by Burl’s Sonas technology and includes a transcranial headset system, is a fully automated, rapid, and inexpensive brain perfusion assessment solution for diagnosing PFO. The system allows clinicians in hospital and nonhospital settings to noninvasively evaluate cerebral blood flow and accurately guide treatments for patients.

According to Burl, the test is conducted by using standard bubble test techniques. Saline and oxygen microbubbles are administered via venous injection. Foqus then monitors the patient’s entire brain for the appearance of a “curtain” of microbubble, which would indicate the presence of an existing PFO.

Martin Swaans, MD, cardiologist from St. Antonius Ziekenhuis in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands, and Nick Palmer, MD, consultant cardiologist at The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital in Liverpool, United Kingdom, commented on their experiences with Foqus in Burl’s press release.

“Foqus allows me to rapidly and easily test my patients for the presence of bubble emboli as part of a PFO evaluation,” stated Dr. Swaans. “By simplifying and accelerating testing, we can identify appropriate candidates for PFO closure more efficiently and reduce the risk of recurrent strokes in cryptogenic stroke patients. After completing a series of successful transcranial tests, we will accelerate the use of this new test on our large group of PFO and cryptogenic stroke patients in the upcoming weeks.”

Dr. Palmer added, “The successful completion of a series of this new rapid automated noninvasive transcranial test will allow implementation of PFO testing at multiple locations before patients come to Liverpool for a PFO closure procedure. Since the test can be performed by a nurse using standard bubble test techniques, I believe Foqus will allow us to speed up testing and reduce local waiting lists.”