| Project Detail |
Air cushions for assisting cardiac function in heart failure
Millions of people worldwide suffer from heart failure with associated fatigue, difficulty in breathing and frequent hospitalisations. End-stage heart failure requires mechanical support and involves the use of assistive devices or heart transplantation. However, limitations and complications in both options necessitate the development of alternative interventions. Funded by the European Innovation Council, the Biventricular Epicardial Augmentation Technology project introduces reBEAT, a novel assistive technology that can support both sides of the heart in sync with its natural rhythm. reBEAT can be easily implanted within minutes, facilitating fast patient recovery and minimising hospitalisation.
Over 500K patients in the EU and US suffer from end-stage heart failure (HF), with a life expectancy of <1 year in 38% of cases. The prevalence of HF has increased recently, mainly due to improved survival after heart attacks. Such patients require mechanical support of their hearts. Available treatment options are heart transplantation (HTX) and ventricular assist device (VAD). Today, <3% of these patients are treated due to donor heart shortages and restrictive employment of VADs. VADs can cause severe complications, such as bleeding and strokes, and typically only support one side of the heart.
reBEAT is a revolutionary technology to mechanically support both sides of the heart, does not directly contact blood and can be easily implanted (~40 minutes). It presents virtually no contraindications for the patient population described. reBEAT offers high cost effectiveness at <50% of the cost of heart transplantations and VADs. AdjuCor expects revenues of 69M€ by 2027 with reBEAT. |
