Minnesota Patent of the Month – April 2024
NeoChord, Inc. has revolutionized heart valve repair with its groundbreaking method of anchoring sutures in the heart as artificial chordae. Traditional heart valve repair surgeries often involve significant trauma and recovery time for patients. However, NeoChord’s innovative technique offers a minimally invasive alternative, reducing risks and improving recovery.
The method begins with intravascular access to the heart, where a suture is inserted into a heart valve leaflet. This suture is then attached to NeoChord’s cardiac anchor, a sophisticated device designed to navigate the complexities of the heart with precision. The anchor features an actuation head, a coil, a flexible shaft, and a blunt tip, all carefully engineered to ensure secure anchoring without damaging the heart tissue.
Using an anchor delivery catheter, the cardiac anchor is advanced to the heart wall. An actuation mechanism engages the anchor’s head, initiating rotation. As the anchor rotates, the flexible shaft flexes against the heart wall, orienting the coil parallel to it. Subsequent rotation drives the coil’s distal tip into the heart wall, embedding it securely along its surface.
What sets NeoChord’s method apart is its ability to achieve proper suture tension and positioning without the need for open-heart surgery. By anchoring the suture as artificial chordae, valve function is restored naturally, reducing the risk of complications associated with traditional procedures.
This innovation holds promise for patients suffering from mitral valve regurgitation, offering a less invasive yet effective solution. With NeoChord’s method, patients can experience shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and improved overall outcomes.
NeoChord’s method of anchoring sutures in the heart represents a significant advancement in cardiac care. By combining precision engineering with minimally invasive techniques, NeoChord is reshaping the landscape of heart valve repair, offering hope to patients and clinicians alike.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
