N13
Medical Device for Electrical Cardiac Stimulation
Prof. Francesco Alemanni, Centro Cardiologico Monzino/Università degli Studi di Milano; Prof. Michela Casella, Università degli Studi di Milano; Dr Veronica Iacovacci, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna; Prof. Arianna Menciassi, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna; Prof. Leonardo Ricotti, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna; Dr Matteo Saccocci, Centro Cardiologico Monzino; Prof. Elena Tremoli, Centro Cardiologico Monzino; Prof. Marco Zanobini, Centro Cardiologico Monzino
Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
Challenge
Current devices for cardiac electrical stimulation suffer the presence of rechargeable battery that must be replaced periodically. Furthermore, they are bulky with complex structure and expensive, sensitive to electromagnetic fields, and present high risk of infections.
Technology
The present invention is a passive device for ventricular electrical pacing, without battery and without leads. Compared to similar devices, the present invention is miniaturized, has a simple structure resulting in a cheaper device, it facilitates surgical positioning and improving the patient compliance. The device is able to detect residual atrial contraction and convert it into an electrical stimulus using piezoelectric transducers. Designed for epi or endocardial applications, it consists of three components: a multilayer patch, for detecting residual atrial contraction and converting it into an electrical impulse, a passive circuit for physiological signal modulation and a stimulating element. Thanks to its technical characteristics, the device is able to avoid disturbances and anomalies in the electrical conduction between the atrium and ventricle, also leading to a reduction in maintenance interventions and a lower risk of infections and complications for patients.
Commercial Opportunity
The device is applicable in surgery of heart diseases with alterations in the conduction system of electrical impulses. It ensures the proper functioning of the heart muscle, and it is suitable for both endocardial and epicardial application. The potential market is the market of medical devices for cardiac diseases.
Development Status
Currently the device is located at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2. The research team is searching for partners (companies producing medical devices, etc.) to further develop the technology, in order to obtain a proof of concept and to test it in proper animal models (TRL=5).
Patent Situation
Italian patent application has been filed.
Further Reading
Vannozzi L, Iacovacci V, Menciassi A, Ricotti L. Nanocomposite thin films for triggerable drug delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. (2018). 15:509-522. doi: 10.1080/17425247.2018.1451512.
