Technology
The Intra-Aortic left Ventricular Assist Device: LifeheART
The LifeheART device is an innovative Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) under development, designed to transform support options for patients with end-stage heart failure. Unlike conventional LVADs that bypass the heart and may lead to partial organ damage, LifeheART operates in series with the heart within the aorta, preserving native cardiac function and potentially minimizing adverse effects. This novel design allows for a larger pump diameter and lower rotational speeds, reducing blood trauma and enhancing biocompatibility.
LifeheART addresses three primary risks associated with LVAD implantation and use: it aims to reduce heart damage during surgical implantation, limit blood cell damage during pump operation, and decrease infection risk through wireless power transfer, thus eliminating the need for external cables. The device’s ultimate objective is to incorporate an adaptive response system that leverages the heart’s natural ECG signals, enabling real-time adjustments based on patient-specific demands.
The Novel Cardiac Support Device for Right Heart Failure
Patients with failing Fontan circulation often require heart transplantation, but limited donor availability and suboptimal performance of existing cardiac support devices create significant barriers. We are also developing a novel cardiac assist device specifically designed for right heart failure in patients aged 12 and older. It provides targeted support to right heart and pulmonary circulation through a compact, fully implantable system with a potential use of wireless power transfer system to eliminate external drivelines, and minimizing infection risk.
Wireless Power Transfer
Crucially, the inherent design benefits of our cardiac support devices, such which allow for a larger pump diameter and lower rotational speeds, directly result in significantly low energy consumption. This dramatically reduced power requirement is key to the device's enhanced safety features, as it makes the successful implementation of wireless power transfer (WPT) technology feasible. By eliminating the need for a percutaneous driveline (the external cable), WPT effectively removes the primary conduit for infection, addressing one of the most critical long-term risks associated with traditional LVAD systems and offering a major improvement in patient quality of life