Surgeons have two main methods for replacing heart valves, which regulate the flow of blood within the heart. One method involves traditional heart surgery and a newer method involves flexible tubes called catheters. But some patients who would benefit from new valves can't have surgery now because the risk is deemed too high.
Micro Interventional Devices, a Bethlehem startup employing six people, is working to change that. The company is developing a new device called Permaseal, which eliminates the need for surgeons to stitch tissues back together during surgery. The company's VP of scientific affairs, Bill Hennemann, explains that Permaseal is designed to be inserted before the catheter. The type of surgery that would be best for the device essentially requires inserting the catheter though a certain part of the heart's lower left chamber. Permaseal puts soft tissue in that area to work so stitches aren't necessary.
“Our goal is not to change the procedure, but to make it better,” Hennemann says. The company's aim is to increase the number of high-risk patients who can receive surgery.
Micro Interventional Devices is receiving $100,000 from the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania to refine and market its device. The company expects to start clinical trials next year and put Permaseal on the market later in 2012.
Source: Bill Hennemann, Micro Interventional Devices
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen