NZR to monitor brain device

New Zealand Rugby will watch with interest as a portable device which detects brain bleeds is rolled out in Australasia.

The infrascanner, a device which resembles a large television remote, can be used to detect lifethreatening brain haemorrhages and clots in head trauma victims.

Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins in the NFL have the devices handy at their home matches, while the United States Navy has more than 200 of them for use in combat zones. They are also used in the UFC. Peter Bailey, the sole distributor of the device in Australia and New Zealand, said the device would be valuable for a sport like rugby as they look to battle concussion.

‘‘It’s extremely valuable for rugby teams because, if somebody gets a concussion, it’s quick and easy to see if they have a bleed if you just put them on the bench,’’ Bailey told Fairfax last month.

New Zealand Rugby medical director Dr Ian Murphy said that while the technology sounded promising, he had no further knowledge of it at this time.

He said he would watch for further developments with interest. Price could be an issue with the device, given where it would be best put to use.

Players at the top level, say Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup, have access to the finest medical care during and after matches should they suffer a head knock.

At club level, where cases of concussion are far less likely to be spotted, the medical care is less impressive.

The devices cost $17,900 a pop, far more than your standard club side could afford. Some provincial unions would also struggle to justify the cost.