Microwave tomography is a worthy complement to the other members of the family. The reason why this technique has only now become available on a wider basis is that it requires considerable computer power and smart algorithms for image generation, a combination that has only become available in recent years.

Higher sensitivity and specificity
“In the detection of breast tumours, microwave tomography will provide both higher sensitivity and specificity. Today approximately 10-15 percent of tumours are missed during mammography while, at the same time, a substantial part of what is found by mammography, and to which resources have to be devoted in further investigation, proves not to be malignant.

Even though microwave technology is more complex than the other imaging diagnostics methods in principle, it is simpler in terms of the actual instruments. The equipment, it could be said, uses the same type of components as mobile phones and, in terms of size, is considerably smaller than other imaging diagnostic instruments which in turn means that it is possible to make instruments that can be used more flexibly and where the patient happens to be. At the scene of an accident, for example, and in ambulances.

Getting stroke diagnosed quicker
Where stroke is concerned, prompt treatment is of decisive importance. The correct treatment must be given within three hours, and preferably within twenty minutes. But today there is no satisfactory way of diagnosing which kind of stroke the patient has suffered. There are two main types of stroke and they require different treatment.

“At present it is only possible to treat about 5 percent of patients within the critical time frame. To be able to make a correct diagnosis in the ambulance would mean that more patients would receive treatment in time."

CEO Patrik Dahlqvist joined the company from Q-Sense, which is also a spin-off from Chalmers University of Technology.

Market pull rather than technology push
“Our experience at Q-Sense has been very useful. There we quickly learned to live off our own resources, something which quickly led us to keep close to our market — developing market pull rather than technology push.  

“Medfield Diagnostics is a company which is reminiscent of Q-Sense in several ways. There we took a patent and prototype from Chalmers to the market, and on Q-Sense´s journey from initial start-up I had held many different positions in the company. It is great fun to be with a company where I can alternate between technology, strategic questions and market development while still maintaining focus."

Medfield Diagnostics builds on Mikael Persson´s and Andreas Fharger´s research work in the field of Biomedical Electromagnetics at Chalmers University of Technology. Mikael Elam´s research group in neurophysiology at Sahlgrenska University Hospital is a collaborative partner. A dialogue with Malmö University Hospital, UMAS, is being promoted in the field of breast cancer.

Strong position in microwave technology
Western Sweden and the Göteborg region occupy a strong position in the field of microwaves, antennae and wireless technology with Ericsson Microwave, Saab Ericsson Space and the newly established Chalmers Antenna Systems Excellence Centre, CHASE, which covers research in fields such as signal processing, mobile communications and medical technology. The area is responsible for 40 percent of the total world production of microwave links.

“Medfield Diagnostics´ participation in CHASE and membership of the cluster organisation Microwave Road which brings together microwave competence and resources, helps us to maintain our leading position in the technology side"

“Göteborg is exactly the right place for us. Here we are close to a cluster of microwave expertise, perhaps the best in the world for our technology, and we are also close to Sahlgrenska University Hospital where we can learn from our customers," says Patrik Dahlqvist.

... the best advice for other entrepreneurs:
Just do it! Of course one must listen to and learn from others, but history shows that those who have dared to go their own way have been the most successful. If the inner drive is strong, dare to do what others do not believe possible. I also believe that it is important to maintain that spirit of curiosity. If you give up probing the way ahead you will never find new paths.