Miller School of Medicine >> UM Innovation >> Technology Transfer >> For Industry
 
ID# UME-115
Papillary Muscle Attachment Device for the Purpose of Left Ventricular Reduction in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Eduardo De Marchena
 
Problem
Cardiomyopathy is a growing public health problem. In the United States alone, 3 million people are currently living with cardiomyopathy, and another 400,000 are diagnosed each year. Many of these people suffer every day from heart failure, the most common manifestation of cardiomyopathy. Every year cardiomyopathy is a contributing factor in nearly a quarter million deaths. As the population ages, the incidence of cardiomyopathy is expected to increase greatly.
 
Solution
This invention is a novel minimally invasive methods and instruments to treat a common and deadly heart disease (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) that is currently difficult to treat and control. The instruments are used to implant a small tether in the left ventricle chamber of the heart to prevent further abnormal expansion of the chamber. The methods are percutaneous and transvascular.  The instruments are small and used under x-ray visualization. The instruments are simple, low cost, disposable and ergonomically designed.
 
Competitive Advantage
This less invasive surgery to treat cardiomyopathy reduces the use of drugs and the risk of heart failure.  The competitive treatment drugs have side effects and do not alter the course of the disease.  This procedure is much less invasive than a heart transplant.
 
Applications
The tether implant benefits are: 1) limitation of further dilatation and 2) improvement of heart function (eliminates left ventricular failure and mitral regurgitation and reduces the likelihood of needing a heart transplant).
 
Patent Status
International Patent Application PCT/US06/19496 entitled “Papillary Muscle Attachment Device for the Purpose of Left Ventricular Reduction” filed May 19, 2006
 
Licensing Opportunity
We are seeking a collaborative partnership for product development and commercialization of this novel, simple, safe, low cost solution to dilated cardiomyopathy.
 
About the Inventors
Dr. Eduardo De Marchena, Professor of Medicine/ Surgery, Director of Interventional Cardiology, Medical Director, University of Miami Cardiovascular Center.  Dr. De Marchena is an expert in trans-vascular interventional techniques for valve repair, heart failure, left ventricular assist devices, pacemakers, and stents.
 
Selected References
Virani SS, Mendoza CE, Ferreira AC, De Marchena E., Left main coronary artery stenosis: factors predicting cardiac events in patients awaiting coronary surgery, Tex Heart Inst J. 2006;33(1):23-6. Peter AA, Ferreira AC, Zelnick K, Sangosanya A, Chirinos J, De Marchena E, Internal mammary artery to pulmonary vasculature fistula--case series, Int J Cardiol. 2006 Mar 22;108(1):135-8. Zambrano J, De la Hera A, De Marchena E, Reperfusion during acute myocardial infarction in a patient with dextrocardia, J Invasive Cardiol. 2006 Feb;18(2):E89-92.
 
 

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