Leading Expert in Hemodynamics Aims to Use New Emulator Technology to Eliminate Blood Clotting in Cardiovascular Devices

TUCSON, Ariz. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- On Jan. 22, Danny Bluestein, PhD, Professor of Bioengineering at the State University of New York (SUNY) Stony Brook, in collaboration with Marvin J. Slepian, M.D., Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) at the University of Arizona, submitted a Phase II Quantum Grant proposal to the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB).

“During Phase I of this project, we developed and tested the Device Thrombogenicity Emulator (DTE),” said Dr. Bluestein. “The DTE measures the potential for blood clotting in cardiovascular devices by mimicking the conditions in the device as extracted from advanced numerical simulations. Conceptually, it is analogous to a wind tunnel used for aeronautic and automotive testing.

“The ultimate goal is to eliminate the need for anticoagulation. During Phase II, we plan to use the DTE to identify ‘hot spot’ trajectories in the flow fields of cardiovascular devices where clots can form. The DTE methodology enables us to tweak the geometry of the device in order to achieve design optimization aimed at minimizing and eliminating these hot spots.”

If the proposal is awarded the grant, Dr. Bluestein plans to use the DTE to test and optimize the designs of prosthetic heart valves, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), biventricular assist devices (BiVADs) and the SynCardia temporary CardioWest™ Total Artificial Heart. Dr. Bluestein closely collaborates with SynCardia Systems, Inc., and with other device manufacturers who are partners in the proposal.

“Ultimately, we envision that our methodology has the potential for advancing testing for cardiovascular devices that may be of use to the industry and the FDA,” said Dr. Slepian.

According to the NIBIB website, the Quantum Grants Program was established to make a profound (quantum) improvement in health care. This program challenged the research community to propose projects that have a highly focused, collaborative, and interdisciplinary approach targeted to solve a major medical problem or to resolve a highly prevalent technology-based medical challenge.

About SynCardia Systems, Inc.

SynCardia Systems, Inc. is the Tucson-based manufacturer of the world’s only FDA, Health Canada and CE approved Total Artificial Heart: the SynCardia temporary CardioWest™ Total Artificial Heart. There have been more than 800 implants of the Total Artificial Heart, accounting for more than 180 patient years of life on the device.

Originally used as a permanent replacement heart, the Total Artificial Heart is currently approved as a bridge to human heart transplant for people dying from end-stage biventricular failure. The Total Artificial Heart is the only device that provides immediate, safe blood flow of up to 9.5 L/min through both ventricles.

For additional information, please visit: http://www.syncardia.com
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