Medinol’s Microtech Has 1st Human Case of Implantable Microsensor for Heart Failure

Microtech, a Medinol subsidiary, has begun human trials of its microsensor platform. The trial will measure atrial pressures that are important for treating heart failure.

The company’s implantable microsensor platform represents a new class of sensor technology that can be used both as a standalone device and integrated onto any existing device, according to Microtech. Its sub-millimeter size, passive function, and external communication via ultrasound lets it turn existing implants into smart devices that can gather data and perform multiple functions at once.

Prof. Erez Sharoni at Beilinson Medical Center in Petah-Tikva, Israel performed the first implantation of Microtech’s microsensor. Prof. Sharoni is head of cardio-thoracic surgery at Beilinson.

“This amazing technology may change the standard of care for patients suffering from Heart Failure and in particular, in this current study, those who are receiving LVADs or heart transplants,” Prof. Sharoni told the press.

Microtech said the data generated by the implanted sensors will be aggregated as used by heart failure specialists to inform clinical decision making.

“Heart Failure is characterized by periods of quiescence, followed by periods of deterioration, which require repeat hospitalizations,” said Dr. Tuvia Ben-Gal, Head of Heart Failure at Rabin Medical Center. “This ground-breaking technology will allow us to track patients’ parameters in real time, to intervene earlier if needed and to reduce these patients’ morbidity and mortality.”

“Incorporating sensors into existing medical devices gives physicians the ability to treat patients based on quantifiable physiological parameters instead of symptoms and is a critical step to growing access to equitable healthcare across the global community. Using a compact home unit, a patient with a Microtech-enabled implant can deliver immediate and highly accurate pressure readings directly to their physician turning geographical distance or mobility challenges into a non-issue,” said Dr. Yoram Richter, CEO of Medinol. “This unique ability is transformative for a wide range of clinical scenarios, including patients suffering from Heart Failure, Glaucoma, Hydrocephalous, Portal Hypertension, AAA Endoleaks and many more, providing wider healthcare access and fewer office/hospital visits. Most importantly, from the standpoint of treating clinicians and device manufacturers, sensor-enabled smart-devices will go beyond acute anatomical fixes, extending treatment to lifetime patient care.”