Daniel Sears and the Mission of NeuroGenesis for PTSD

Rebuilding the Nervous System for Those Who Served

When leaders from DetoxScan convened with Daniel Sears, the conversation quickly moved beyond introductions and into shared purpose. What emerged was not merely a discussion of technology or performance protocols, but a deeply human dialogue about service, injury, recovery, and responsibility to those who carry invisible wounds—especially veterans.

Daniel Sears is the founder of NeuroGenesis, a nervous system recovery and brain training initiative built from lived experience. A retired U.S. Air Force veteran with nearly 17 years of service, Sears medically retired in 2018 with PTSD and generalized anxiety, conditions that would ultimately shape both his personal healing journey and his professional mission. As he explained during the meeting, “A lot of this is very passion-driven… I identify there too”

Sears’ background blends military leadership, industrial-organizational psychology, executive coaching, and advanced training in neuroscience-based recovery modalities. But what distinguishes NeuroGenesis is not its credentials—it is its origin story. After leaving active service, Sears found himself confronting the reality that many veterans face: fragmented care, slow recovery pathways, and a system that often treats nervous system injury in isolation rather than as a whole-body phenomenon.

“I realized this could have all been easier,” Sears told the group. “This could have been done so much easier… with therapy, with modalities that would have helped change my mitochondria function, work with neurofeedback, and create sustainable changes”

NeuroGenesis: Precision Nervous System Recovery

NeuroGenesis was conceived as a precision nervous system performance and recovery platform, designed to accelerate healing while sustaining long-term resilience. Sears describes it as a bridge between modern neuroscience and time-tested practices. “NeuroGenesis is really a precision nervous system performance company helping elite athletes, executives, and high performers accelerate recovery and sustain peak performance,” he explained. “We’re here to bridge modern neuroscience with ancient wisdom”

The NeuroGenesis model integrates neurofeedback, biofeedback, breathwork, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy), vibroacoustics, and energy-based practices, structured into a three-stage protocol that prioritizes nervous system regulation before performance enhancement. Rather than pushing individuals into heightened states, the emphasis is on calming, stabilizing, and restoring safety within the nervous system—an approach especially critical for trauma-exposed populations.

This philosophy resonated strongly with DetoxScan executives Daniel Root and Dr. Robert L. Bard, both of whom have spent decades studying the physiological effects of environmental toxins, heavy metals, and neurological stressors on veterans, first responders, and chronically exposed populations.

Veterans, Exposure, and the Missing Link

Throughout the meeting, alignment became increasingly clear. Dr. Bard, himself a disabled veteran with documented Agent Orange and heavy metal exposure, underscored the neurological consequences of toxic burden—mercury, burn pits, solvents, mold, and industrial chemicals—that often coexist with PTSD-like symptoms.

Sears’ own story echoed this intersection. Beyond psychological trauma, he disclosed that he had recently discovered significant mold exposure in his home, which compounded nervous system dysfunction, inflammation, and cognitive impairment. “My nervous system was on freeze,” he shared. “My body was seizing up… I had physical pain and mental fog. I didn’t realize how much was happening underneath”

This disclosure deepened the dialogue. DetoxScan’s mission—to identify and quantify toxic contributors to neurological dysfunction—found a natural counterpart in NeuroGenesis’ recovery-focused protocols. Where DetoxScan specializes in detection and validation, NeuroGenesis addresses restoration and retraining.

A Mobile Vision for Veteran Outreach

One of the most compelling aspects of Sears’ vision is a mobile NeuroGenesis model—an RV-based platform designed to reach veterans where they live, especially those underserved by conventional systems. “We want to travel the country and impact veterans’ mental health with this three-stage protocol,” Sears said. “Especially now that I’ve been on the other side of this… I have a big passion to impact the community”

This approach mirrors DetoxScan’s own history of deploying mobile diagnostic units for cancer screening, environmental exposure assessment, and occupational health research. The convergence of these models points toward a scalable, compassionate framework: identify the injury, understand the burden, and deliver accessible recovery tools without stigma.

From Performance to Humanitarian Purpose

Although NeuroGenesis also works with athletes and executives, the meeting made clear that its heart lies with those whose nervous systems were shaped under extreme conditions. Sears emphasized that his work is not about selling solutions, but about correcting systemic gaps. “I want to give this to other people,” he said. “This doesn’t have to be as hard as it’s been for so many of us”

The discussion naturally evolved toward nonprofit alignment, research validation, and physician partnerships—areas where DetoxScan and the AngioInstitute have long provided infrastructure and credibility. The emphasis was not on commercialization, but on legitimization, transparency, and data-driven compassion.

A Shared Path Forward

By the meeting’s close, the tone was unmistakable: this was not a transactional exchange, but the beginning of a collaborative pathway. Sears’ openness, humility, and willingness to address his own health challenges reinforced his credibility as both a leader and a peer.

DetoxScan’s leadership recognized in NeuroGenesis a rare combination: scientific curiosity, lived experience, and ethical intent. As one participant noted, efforts like Sears’ belong not on the margins of healthcare, but at the center of how we redefine recovery for veterans.

NeuroGenesis stands as a reminder that nervous system injury is not weakness, and that healing requires more than isolated therapies—it requires understanding, access, and community. For Daniel Sears, the mission is personal, disciplined, and unwavering. And for those who served, it may represent something long overdue: a system designed not just to manage symptoms, but to restore agency, clarity, and connection.

Afterword: 

A Fellow Veteran’s View on Neurotoxins, Recovery, and the Mission of NeuroGenesis

By Dr. Robert L. Bard, MD, DABR, FAIUM, FASLMS

As a fellow U.S. Air Force veteran, I recognize Daniel Sears not only as an innovator, but as one of a growing group of post-military crusaders who understand—often the hard way—that the injuries of service are not confined to the battlefield. Many of the most consequential harms occur quietly, cumulatively, and systemically across years of service. They occur in hangars, maintenance bays, flight lines, medical facilities, and living quarters where chemical exposures, heavy metals, fuels, solvents, burn byproducts, and environmental toxicants are routine and normalized.

Over time, these environmental toxicants can become neurotoxins—substances that disrupt nervous system function, impair cognition, alter mood, and degrade neurological resilience. Mercury is one such example. Widely encountered through industrial materials, aviation systems, contaminated environments, and legacy military infrastructure, mercury has a well-documented affinity for neural tissue. In my own diagnostic work, I have repeatedly observed elevated mercury levels in veterans—levels that correlate with symptoms often labeled as anxiety, cognitive fog, mood instability, or post-traumatic stress.

This is where imaging and non-invasive diagnostics become critical. As a radiologist and diagnostician, I have spent decades scanning for the physiological fingerprints of neurotoxic exposure—using ultrasound, Doppler, and quantitative assessment tools to identify how toxins affect the brain, nerves, vasculature, and regulatory organs. The advantage of non-invasive evaluation is precision without harm: no added burden to already stressed systems, and no reliance on guesswork when objective data can guide recovery.

Daniel Sears and NeuroGenesis represent an essential evolution in veteran support. Leaders like Daniel are uniquely positioned to make impact because they speak from lived experience. Veterans listen to veterans. When recovery strategies are delivered by someone who has worn the uniform, endured the exposures, and navigated the aftermath, trust replaces skepticism. That trust is the foundation upon which real healing can begin.

What resonates most about Daniel’s work is his insistence on non-invasive, restorative approaches—methods that respect the nervous system rather than overwhelm it. His focus on regulation, resilience, and recovery aligns with what diagnostics continue to show us: the injured nervous system does not need more assault; it needs intelligent support.

We owe our retirees and injured veterans more than acknowledgment. We owe them a fighting chance to reclaim their lives, their clarity, and their purpose. Initiatives like NeuroGenesis are not ancillary—they are necessary. They represent what happens when service continues beyond uniform, and when science, compassion, and experience converge in service of those who once served us all.

HEALTHTECH INNOVATOR: DR. LESLIE'S RESTORATIVE PROGRAM FOR CARBON MONOXIDE POSIONING

Finding a New Model of Care

Dr. Leslie Valle-Montoya stands at the forefront of a new era in neurotoxic exposure care—one that recognizes the limits of conventional medicine when injuries are invisible, delayed, and biologically complex. Since mid-2022, she has dedicated her clinical work to serving first responders, veterans, and individuals suffering from cognitive and neurological decline linked to toxic and hypoxic exposures. Her approach is rooted in the understanding that the brain does not fail in isolation; it responds to disruptions in oxygen delivery, vascular regulation, hormonal balance, cellular energy, and environmental toxic load. Through her leadership at Brainwave Wellness Institute, Dr. Valle-Montoya has built an integrative model focused on education, research, and public advocacy for non-invasive, energy-based interventions that support brain performance and recovery.

In the case of injured firefighter Marissa Halbeisen’s case of carbon monoxide poisoning, Dr. Valle-Montoya recognized what many systems missed: that the lingering brain fog, autonomic instability, and cognitive fatigue were not psychological artifacts, but signs of ongoing neurobiological distress. She responded with a carefully structured, multi-modality protocol designed to restore oxygen utilization, reduce toxic burden, regulate the nervous system, and support neuroplastic healing. The therapies she employed—ranging from oxygen-based interventions and detoxification strategies to frequency medicine and metabolic support—reflect her broader mission: to mitigate neurotoxic injury before it becomes permanent. The following section outlines the specific modalities used in Marissa’s care, offering insight into an advanced framework for treating invisible brain injuries with precision, compassion, and foresight.

When traditional medicine failed to explain her symptoms, Marissa found a different path through Dr. Leslie Valle-Montoya and the Brainwave Wellness Institute—an organization dedicated to non-invasive brain performance therapies and recovery from toxic exposures.

Dr. Valle-Montoya conducted deeper diagnostic testing, including mineral and heavy metal screening, autonomic assessments, and inflammatory mapping. The results confirmed what Marissa felt: her body was carrying a toxic burden, and her nervous system was in distress.

Treatment included:

• Mild hyperbaric therapy to improve oxygenation

• Ozone nebulization to clear the mucus membranes damaged by smoke

• Bioenergetic frequency therapy to support detox and brain recovery

• Niacin-assisted sauna detoxification

• Nutrition protocols and hormone-balancing strategies

Within weeks, Marissa noticed sparks of improvement. Her clarity brightened. Her energy rose. She still faced challenges—but now she finally had a plan.

 S U R V I V O  R   F U L L    S T O R Y  

Marissa’s Story and the Hidden Epidemic:
Understanding the Neurotoxins Behind the Fog

By: Lennard M. Goetze

Photo courtesy: FF Marissa Halbeisen

Across the country, thousands of first responders and civilians are living with an invisible illness—neurological damage linked to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide (CO) exposure. Often mistaken for stress, depression, or simple fatigue, this condition silently erodes cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical stability. Modern fires, fueled by plastics, synthetics, building materials, vehicles, and batteries, release a toxic brew of gases, heavy metals, and particulates. Among these, carbon monoxide remains the most underestimated threat.

CO binds to hemoglobin more than 200 times stronger than oxygen. Even small exposures can deprive the brain of oxygen long enough to trigger acute injury. But for many, the greater danger comes later. Delayed Neurological Sequelae (DNS)—a progressive neurological decline occurring weeks or months after exposure—often goes unrecognized, untested, and untreated.

This is the unseen battlefield Marissa Halbeisen, a veteran firefighter, stepped into after a wildfire response that changed her life. Her story is not an outlier—it is a warning.

The Night Everything Changed

Marissa had survived two decades of fires, rescues, and high-risk deployments. But in January, during a wind-driven Los Angeles wildfire, she encountered a hazard she couldn’t see. Working through hurricane-force winds, sandblasted eyes, and suffocating smoke, she made a choice many engineers make on wildfire operations: she saved the limited air supply for the nozzle teams. She stayed in the smoke.

“It wasn’t the flames that nearly took me out... the smoke I couldn’t see almost did.”

By the time the fire crossed the highway, her head was pounding, her vision blurred, and her breathing felt labored. She assumed it was exhaustion—an unavoidable part of the job. She didn’t know the true injury was already unfolding inside her brain.

 

The Descent Into the Invisible Injury

In the weeks that followed, Marissa began experiencing symptoms that alarmed her: mental fog, slowed processing, and memory problems. Tasks she once performed effortlessly suddenly felt foreign. Teaching at the fire academy became difficult. Studying for her captain’s exam—material she knew cold—was impossibly hard. “I looked fine on the outside. Inside, it felt like someone unplugged my brain.”

By April, her once-rigorous workouts stopped. By May, she pulled herself off duty—a decision firefighters rarely make without extreme cause. She underwent blood tests, autoimmune panels, imaging, and routine assessments. Everything came back “normal.”

But nothing was normal.  She developed overwhelming fatigue, full-body aches, slurred speech, and balance problems. At her worst, she could not drive. “It felt like being intoxicated all the time without having touched a drink,” she said.

An ER visit revealed nothing on standard tests. Yet deeper investigation finally uncovered the truth: hypoxic brain injury linked to CO exposure. MRI imaging, a toxicology assessment, and evaluations by occupational medicine specialists revealed she had experienced significant carbon monoxide poisoning—followed by delayed neurological decline.

She was left with the classic signs of DNS: cognitive impairment, motor coordination issues, hormonal disruption, and chronic neuroinflammation.

The System Misses What It Cannot See

Marissa’s ordeal highlights a troubling reality: CO injuries are wildly underdiagnosed, especially among firefighters. Wildland operations, unlike structure fires, often lack formal rehab protocols or CO monitoring. Firefighters frequently operate in heavy smoke without SCBA, believing the risk is acceptable or temporary. The consequences can be catastrophic. Research shows that mild to moderate CO exposure can trigger:

• Memory loss and slowed processing

• Personality changes and irritability

• Balance and gait disturbances

• Hormonal dysregulation

• Autonomic nervous system impairment

• Increased risk for long-term neurodegenerative disease

Yet because CO clears from the blood within hours, by the time a firefighter seeks help, measurable evidence has vanished. Only MRI, neurocognitive testing, and clinical experience reveal what the bloodstream no longer does. “They told me my tests were normal. My body was telling me I was drowning.”

Marissa’s experience reflects the silent epidemic affecting many firefighters, veterans, athletes, and civilians exposed to toxic air.

 

A Broader Crisis: Many Suffer in Silence

Marissa’s story echoes across the fire service. For every firefighter diagnosed, many more quietly struggle. Symptoms like irritability, “forgetfulness,” trouble concentrating, unexplained fatigue, or emotional volatility are often written off as stress. Departments lack consistent monitoring, education, or long-term tracking of neurological symptoms.

The truth is stark: CO poisoning and neurotoxic smoke exposure may be one of the most overlooked occupational diseases of modern firefighting. Organizations such as the Brain Injury Alliance, Carbon Monoxide Safety groups, IAFF wellness programs, and emerging CO survivor networks are beginning to push awareness forward. But most sufferers still remain undiagnosed—soldiers in a silent war against toxins that do not show up on standard lab panels.

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Marissa’s Mission: Turning Injury Into Advocacy

Despite ongoing recovery, Marissa’s spirit remains anchored in service. She refuses to let this invisible injury silence her. Instead, it has sharpened her purpose. “If I make it back, I’m coming back better than before—and I’m taking others with me.”

She now hopes to educate firefighters on early detection, advocate for CO monitoring protocols, and support national organizations fighting for recognition of toxic exposure injuries. Her story represents both a warning and a roadmap—proof that invisible injuries are no less devastating, and no less deserving of care.

________________________________________

A Call to Action

Marissa’s experience makes one thing clear: the fire service must evolve.

• CO monitoring must become standard.

• Rehab must be mandatory on wildland incidents.

• Neurological screening must be built into occupational health.

• Firefighters must be taught to recognize—not hide—signs of cognitive decline.

For every Marissa who speaks out, dozens remain unheard. This newsletter—and this story—is for them.

Because the smoke may clear from the hillside, but for many, it lingers in the brain long after the fire is gone.

RAMONA VON LEDEN & WINBACK: The New Frontier of Non-Invasive Healing

 *A HealthTech Reporter & IPHA Feature -in Collaboration with the AngioInstitute Research Group*

When leaders across non-invasive medicine gather to explore the future of therapeutic science, certain voices immediately rise above the noise. In the recent joint meeting between the Integrative Pain Healers Alliance (IPHA),  one such voice was unmistakably clear: Ramona von Leden, Senior Director of U.S. Medical Affairs for WINBACK America.

With a PhD in neuroscience, a decorated background in inflammation research, and five years serving as Director and Vice President of Research & Education for NeuFit, Ramona embodies a new model of scientific leadership—merging academic rigor with disruptive clinical innovation. Her role at WINBACK marks a critical milestone for a company poised to redefine radiofrequency therapy in the United States.

A Scientist at the Helm

Ramona’s entrance into the WINBACK ecosystem came with purpose and urgency. “I joined the team only three months ago… to expand our scientific efforts on this side of the pond,” she shared, noting the company’s rapid growth and the need for strong research guidance as the brand accelerates its U.S. presence.

WINBACK, originally founded in France in 2012, has long been regarded in Europe as an innovator in TECAR/RF therapy—a modality built on radiofrequency energy designed to accelerate tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and support cellular function. Yet the United States remains largely underdeveloped in its adoption of these tools. Ramona understands this gap well: “All of our research has been in Europe… but clinical validation in the U.S. is essential for the next phase of growth.”

Her scientific philosophy is refreshingly clear-cut: technology must match the body’s natural intelligence. “The body can heal itself, but sometimes it just needs the right support,” she explained, reflecting on her transition away from pharmaceutical-based inflammation studies and into regenerative medicine.

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WINBACK’s Signature Breakthrough: Radiofrequency as a Recovery Enhancer

When Ramona describes WINBACK technology, it becomes immediately evident that this is not simply another device entering the U.S. therapy market. WINBACK’s system is built on dual-frequency radiofrequency energy and EMS (electrical muscle stimulation), capable of working at multiple depths—from superficial dermal layers to deep musculotendinous tissues.

“We work with different frequencies depending on the depth you want to reach… every tissue has resonance,” she explained. “We are helping to support the cell permeability, vascularization, nutrient flow… it’s energy interacting with the body’s own current.”

Her enthusiasm is grounded in both science and long-term observation: RF therapy in Europe is decades ahead of U.S. adoption, showcasing strong clinical results across:

• Sports medicine & athletic recovery
• Women’s pelvic health and postpartum care
• Aesthetic and wellness applications
• Pain modulation & inflammation reduction

The practical advantage? WINBACK uses programmable frequencies that precisely target tissue layers, enabling practitioners to choose frequencies that target different depths and tissue types—an innovation Ramona believes is unmatched in the market.

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Why Women’s Health Is WINBACK’s Fastest-Growing Vertical

Among the many markets WINBACK serves, Ramona is unapologetically candid about the one that excites her most: women’s health.

“When we host an event for women’s health, the response is through the roof,” she shared. “There is a level of interest, engagement, and need that surpasses every other vertical.”

This includes pelvic floor therapy, incontinence, postpartum recovery, endometriosis, and sexual health—areas long underserved by traditional medicine. As she emphasized, “Pelvic health isn’t just a women’s issue… it’s a preventative and functional issue for everyone.”

WINBACK Meets the AngioInstitute:

A Shared Vision for Scientific Validation**

The meeting with the AngioInstitute, led by world-renowned cancer imaging specialist Dr. Robert L. Bard, introduced Ramona to a group deeply committed to objective, image-guided validation of emerging medical technologies.

Dr. Bard, known as the “cancer detective,” operates one of the nation’s most advanced ultrasound-based diagnostic labs. His philosophy is simple: If a technology claims therapeutic impact, imaging should prove it.

The AngioInstitute Research Group presented WINBACK with a collaborative pathway:

1. Before/after ultrasound imaging
2. Elastography for tissue quality changes
3. Doppler vascular studies
4. Thermology for inflammatory shifts

Their offer was not just scientific—it was invitational. “Visual documentation is essential. If findings show improvement clinically and scientifically, the world will believe it,” the team expressed during the meeting.

This aligns perfectly with WINBACK’s 2025 mandate: expand U.S. clinical evidence through strategic research partnerships. Ramona acknowledged it directly: “The studies from France are great, but they’re not enough for the U.S. market. Clinical validation here is absolutely essential.”

Toward a New Era of Regenerative Medicine

WINBACK’s evolution under Ramona’s leadership points toward a broader scientific renaissance—one where radiofrequency, photobiomodulation, PEMF, electrical stimulation, and other energetic tools integrate into a holistic therapeutic ecosystem.

“Everyone responds to different forms of energy,” she emphasized. “RF works with the body’s current… it’s a universal medium for tissue healing.”

Her approach mirrors a shift unfolding across integrative medicine:

• From reaction → to prevention
• From pharmaceutical management → to cellular optimization
• From isolated treatments → to multimodal regenerative strategies

WINBACK does not replace other modalities—it enhances them.

 

A Promising Partnership Ahead

In the concluding moments of the meeting, Ramona asked the pivotal question: “What does partnership look like with your group?”  The AngioInstitute summarized its Nine Pillars: education, research, clinical studies, public advocacy, scientific publishing, case-report development, imaging validation, community health integration, and real-world patient outcomes.

WINBACK is an ideal fit. As one participant put it, “When somebody else writes about you, it becomes journalism. When we validate your outcomes, it becomes science.”

Conclusion: The Ramona Effect

Ramona von Leden’s leadership represents more than a corporate appointment; it signals WINBACK’s commitment to scientific credibility, practitioner empowerment, and patient-centered healing.

She brings clarity to a field often clouded by hype, offering a grounded understanding of what radiofrequency therapy can truly achieve—when guided by the right science, the right partners, and the right mission.

These initial conversations between WINBACK, HealthTech Reporter, IPHA, and the AngioInstitute signal the beginning of a new collaborative chapter—one where radiofrequency innovation meets uncompromising clinical validation. If the future of non-invasive medicine has a name, Ramona von Leden is helping write it.

WHAT IS PIUR IMAGING?

Turning Conventional Ultrasound into Intelligent, Reproducible 3D Tomographic Imaging

By: Lennard M. Goetze, Ed.D

 

“Ultrasound is an incredible modality—but it is still highly dependent on the person operating the machine. Everybody measures differently, documents differently, and that lack of consistency is the core problem we are solving.” — Robert Bauer, CTO & Co-Founder, PIUR IMAGING

 

HealthTech Reporter and AngioResearch recently met with Tullio Giannitti (General Manager, U.S.) and Robert Bauer (CTO & Co-Founder) of PIUR IMAGING, a company redefining how ultrasound is acquired, interpreted, and trusted. PIUR IMAGING is not building another ultrasound machine. Instead, it has created a powerful upgrade layer—a combination of hardware sensors, advanced software, and AI—that transforms existing 2D ultrasound systems into 3D tomographic imaging platforms capable of producing objective, reproducible volumetric data.

In an imaging field long challenged by operator dependency, workflow variability, and inconsistent documentation, PIUR IMAGING’s approach represents a structural evolution rather than an incremental improvement.

 

 

Prologue from THYROIDSCAN.org

By Dr. Angela Mazza, DO, ABAARM, FAAMFM, ECNU
 and Dr. Robert L. Bard, MD, DABR, FAIUM, FASLMS

In thyroid care, precision is not a luxury—it is essential. The thyroid is a small, dynamic organ whose structure, volume, vascularity, and nodular changes can signal metabolic imbalance, autoimmune disease, toxic exposure, or early malignancy. Yet for decades, thyroid ultrasound—despite being the gold standard—has remained vulnerable to variability in acquisition, measurement, and interpretation.

From our combined perspectives in endocrinology and diagnostic imaging, the future of thyroid assessment depends on reproducibility and longitudinal validation. PIUR IMAGING addresses this need by transforming conventional ultrasound into standardized 3D tomographic datasets that can be measured, revisited, and compared over time. This shift is particularly important in thyroid disease, where subtle volumetric changes, nodule growth patterns, and treatment response must be documented objectively rather than inferred subjectively.

For the endocrinologist, consistent thyroid volumes and automated nodule measurements offer a clearer framework for clinical decision-making—whether monitoring Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, evaluating nodular disease, or assessing response to medical, ablative, or lifestyle interventions. For the imaging specialist, volumetric ultrasound provides a durable record that supports follow-up, multidisciplinary review, and research validation.

What makes PIUR IMAGING especially compelling is that it enhances—not replaces—the ultrasound systems clinicians already trust. By adding intelligent sensing and software-driven standardization, it reduces operator dependency while preserving real-time imaging, patient safety, and accessibility. In thyroid imaging, this means fewer inconsistencies, more reliable baselines, and greater confidence in longitudinal care.

We view this technology not as an endpoint, but as an enabling platform. Once thyroid ultrasound becomes truly reproducible and quantitative, it opens the door to deeper understanding of autoimmune progression, environmental influences, metabolic correlations, and treatment efficacy—without radiation or invasive procedures.

Progress in thyroid care depends on our ability to see clearly, measure accurately, and validate responsibly. PIUR IMAGING represents an important step toward that goal, advancing ultrasound from a moment-in-time examination into a reliable, longitudinal tool for both clinical practice and scientific inquiry.

 

 MedTech Feature News

The Core Problem in Ultrasound Today

Ultrasound remains one of the most versatile, accessible, and safest imaging modalities in medicine. Yet it carries a fundamental limitation: its quality and reliability are heavily dependent on the skill and technique of the operator. Two clinicians scanning the same patient can produce different images, measurements, annotations, and reports. This variability limits ultrasound’s ability to serve as a truly quantitative, longitudinal, and reproducible diagnostic tool—especially in applications such as thyroid disease, vascular imaging, and treatment monitoring.

Robert Bauer summarized this challenge succinctly during the meeting: ultrasound is powerful, but “everybody is measuring in a different way, documenting in a different way. It’s not consistent. You have to trust the person who’s scanning”  PIUR IMAGING was founded to solve exactly this problem.

 

How PIUR IMAGING Works: From 2D Slices to 3D Tomography

At the heart of PIUR IMAGING’s innovation is a small, attachable motion sensor that clips onto virtually any ultrasound probe—regardless of manufacturer or frequency. This sensor tracks the probe’s movement during a sweep, while PIUR IMAGING’s software simultaneously captures standard B-mode ultrasound images from the host system.

The result is a tomographic 3D volume reconstructed from a simple sweep lasting approximately 20–30 seconds. Unlike traditional ultrasound protocols that require multiple static images in multiple planes, PIUR IMAGING relies on a single standardized transverse sweep, dramatically simplifying acquisition while expanding the dataset.

“We are not an ultrasound company. We take the ultrasound system you already have and turn it into a 3D tomographic imaging device.”

-Robert Bauer

The system then reconstructs the anatomy into a multi-planar 3D dataset, producing transverse, longitudinal, and coronal views—similar in concept to CT or MRI visualization, but without radiation or contrast agents .

 

AI-Driven Measurement, Annotation, and Reporting

Once the 3D volume is created, PIUR IMAGING’s AI algorithms take over. Measurements are automatically generated, calipers are placed consistently, and anatomical structures—such as thyroid lobes and nodules—are identified without manual intervention. Crucially, this automation does not remove clinician control. Users can adjust measurements if desired, but the baseline consistency is established by the system itself. The software also applies standardized classification frameworks (such as thyroid nodule risk scoring), generates annotated screenshots, and compiles a complete diagnostic report that can be automatically sent to PACS.

According to Bauer, this approach has demonstrated a reduction of scan-to-reporting time by up to 60% compared with conventional 2D ultrasound workflows, while simultaneously increasing reproducibility and documentation quality

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Why PIUR IMAGING Is an Upgrade—Not a Replacement

A defining philosophy behind PIUR IMAGING is that it does not compete with ultrasound manufacturers. Instead, it enhances their systems. Clinics do not need to replace capital equipment or retrain staff on entirely new platforms. The PIUR sensor and software integrate with existing machines, probes, and clinical workflows.

This “upgrade adapter” model is particularly compelling in a healthcare environment where budgets are constrained, yet expectations for quantitative imaging are rising. As discussed in the meeting, PIUR IMAGING is already integrated with major OEMs in Europe and is actively expanding partnerships in the U.S., positioning itself as a universal 3D intelligence layer for ultrasound rather than a proprietary ecosystem

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Current Clinical Focus: Thyroid Imaging

In the United States, PIUR IMAGING currently holds FDA clearance for thyroid imaging, making this its primary clinical application domestically. This focus is strategic: thyroid disease demands precise volumetric measurement, longitudinal comparison, and consistent nodule characterization—areas where traditional ultrasound struggles most.

The ability to generate reproducible 3D thyroid volumes allows clinicians to objectively track disease progression, response to therapy, or post-ablation outcomes. It also supports documentation necessary for reimbursement, research validation, and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

While elastography and Doppler imaging are not currently part of PIUR’s workflow—due to the physics of sweep-based acquisition—the company emphasizes that high-resolution B-mode tissue signatures alone can yield valuable diagnostic insights, particularly when standardized and quantified across time.

Beyond Thyroid: A Platform with Broad Potential

Although FDA clearance in the U.S. is currently limited to thyroid applications, PIUR’s technology is already approved for multiple indications in Europe, including vascular, abdominal, and musculoskeletal imaging. During the discussion, Bauer and Giannitti emphasized that the platform itself is agnostic to anatomy—the limiting factor is regulatory focus, not technical capability.

From carotid plaque assessment to breast imaging, liver evaluation, dermatologic structures, and even ophthalmic applications, the ability to generate reproducible 3D ultrasound volumes opens new avenues for research and clinical standardization. This makes PIUR particularly attractive to academic centers, research institutes, and innovation-driven practices seeking to expand ultrasound’s role beyond point-in-time visualization.

 “Thyroid imaging is our primary FDA-cleared application in the U.S., but the platform itself is designed for far broader clinical use.”— Tullio Giannitti, General Manager (U.S.), PIUR IMAGING

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Why the Imaging Industry Needs This Now

The imaging industry is at an inflection point. AI, value-based care, and longitudinal disease monitoring demand quantitative, reproducible data—not just images. CT and MRI already operate in this paradigm. Ultrasound, despite its advantages, has lagged behind due to variability and documentation challenges.

PIUR IMAGING directly addresses this gap by converting ultrasound into a measurable, reviewable, and shareable 3D dataset. It reduces dependence on operator technique, improves efficiency for high-volume practices, and enhances accuracy for treatment-focused clinicians. Importantly, it does so without increasing patient risk, cost, or workflow burden.

As Bauer stated, PIUR’s mission is to make ultrasound “reproducible and more comprehensive,” transforming it from an art form into a standardized diagnostic science .

A Structural Advancement, Not a Gadget

What distinguishes PIUR IMAGING is not a single feature, but a system-level rethinking of ultrasound acquisition. By layering intelligent sensing, AI reconstruction, and automated reporting onto existing hardware, PIUR elevates ultrasound to meet modern clinical and research expectations.

For imaging specialists, endocrinologists, surgeons, and researchers alike, PIUR represents a practical and scalable pathway to the future of ultrasound—one where 3D, objectivity, and reproducibility are no longer optional, but standard.

 

 

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THYROIDSCAN 101: ADVANTAGES OF THYROID ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound is uniquely suited for thyroid evaluation because it is safe, non-invasive, radiation-free, and repeatable. This makes it ideal for ongoing monitoring, baseline assessments, and follow-up scans—without risk to the patient. What you’re seeing here is more than anatomy. High-resolution imaging allows clinicians to evaluate thyroid size, symmetry, texture, and structure, while Doppler blood-flow imaging reveals vascular patterns that may signal inflammation or dysfunction. Ultrasound can help identify conditions such as thyroid nodules, cysts, goiter, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease patterns, calcifications, and suspicious lesions that may warrant further evaluation.

One of the powerful advantages of thyroid ultrasound is its broader field of insight. While scanning the thyroid, clinicians can also visualize adjacent structures, including surrounding lymph nodes and the carotid artery. This allows for the detection of vascular abnormalities, plaque formation, or altered blood flow—offering valuable clues about cardiovascular and systemic health.

With tools like Enhanced Needle Visualization, advanced imaging modes, and remote support via uConnect, the Terason 3200T transforms ultrasound into a precise, dynamic diagnostic extension of the clinical exam. ThyroidScan demonstrates how modern ultrasound doesn’t just look—it listens, measures, and informs, helping clinicians see what blood tests alone cannot.

Establishing Baselines: Ultrasound Imaging in Environmental Exposure Assessment

In a focused diagnostic imaging session, Dr. Leslie Valle Montoya conducted ultrasound scans on four volunteer patients using the Terason uSmart 3200T, a portable, high-resolution ultrasound system well suited for point-of-care evaluation and multi-region assessment. The initiative centered on establishing baseline imaging data in individuals with known or suspected environmental toxin exposures, providing a foundation for longitudinal monitoring, research collaboration, and early clinical insight.

The primary emphasis of the scanning protocol was the thyroid gland, a highly sensitive organ often affected by environmental contaminants, endocrine disruptors, and inflammatory processes. Using high-frequency ultrasound, Dr. Valle Montoya assessed thyroid size, symmetry, echotexture, and vascular patterns—key indicators of thyroid health that can reveal early signs of dysfunction, autoimmune activity, nodular development, or inflammatory change. Because ultrasound is non-ionizing and safe for repeated use, it is particularly valuable in baseline studies and follow-up assessments where cumulative radiation exposure is a concern.

Beyond the thyroid, the scans extended to peripheral structures, including cervical lymph nodes and the carotid arteries. Evaluation of lymphatic tissue provides insight into immune activation or inflammatory burden, which may be associated with chronic toxin exposure. Carotid artery imaging, including assessment of vessel structure and blood flow, offers an additional window into systemic vascular health—an important consideration given emerging research linking environmental toxins to endothelial dysfunction and altered circulation.

In one of the sessions, Dr. Valle Montoya also performed a breast ultrasound examination on a separate patient. This scan focused on identifying tissue architecture, density variations, and vascular patterns, reinforcing the role of ultrasound as a valuable adjunct tool for breast health evaluation, particularly in individuals with environmental or occupational exposure histories. While not a replacement for conventional screening protocols, ultrasound can provide meaningful supplementary information, especially in dense tissue or targeted diagnostic contexts.

A defining feature of this initiative is the collaboration with Dr. Robert L. Bard, a New York–based radiologist and internationally recognized thyroid imaging specialist. Dr. Bard’s expertise lies in advanced image interpretation, pattern recognition, and correlating ultrasound findings with clinical, metabolic, and environmental data. His role in this collaboration underscores the importance of not only acquiring high-quality images, but also applying expert diagnostic interpretation to extract clinically relevant meaning from subtle findings.

Together, this collaborative effort reflects a growing movement toward preventive, image-guided health assessment, particularly in populations exposed to environmental toxins. By establishing clear imaging baselines across multiple anatomical regions, clinicians can better track change over time, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and identify early deviations from normal before symptoms escalate.

This project highlights how modern portable ultrasound technology, combined with skilled operators and expert interpretive collaboration, can play a pivotal role in advancing environmental health monitoring—bringing precision, safety, and insight to the front lines of preventive medicine.