Low energy implantable cardioverters for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia [abstract]

Abstract

Cardialen develops low-energy implantable cardioverter devices to treat cardiac arrhythmias. Its primary focus is on atrial fibrillation (AF); its secondary focus on ventricular fibrillation (VF). AF affects over 3 million people in the US and over 20 million worldwide. It doubles the risk of all cause mortality, significantly increases the risk of stroke and contributes to high healthcare costs. Cardialen will develop, test and commercialize its novel pain-free implantable atrial cardioverters independently, opening a new market segment in AF management. In the more established ICD market, it plans to commercialize its technology in industry partnerships. Current AF therapies are described as having “limited long term success and significant risks.” With 50% refractory to long term drug therapy and with catheter ablation unable to meet the needs of growing patient numbers, pain-free internal cardioversion therapy will give physicians a new option. Since AF patients typically remain conscious in episodes, pain-free therapy is essential. Cardialen holds an exclusive global joint license from Washington University and Case Western Reserve University to pain-free cardioversion technology developed by Igor Efimov, phd. The company is currently engaged in pre-clinical trials at Washington University School of Medicine. Cardialen has closed on second round financing through the St. Louis Arch Angels, biogenerator and others to complete current studies and take it to Series A first-in-man studies. CONTACT INFO: Ed Fickenscher; Fickense@WUSTL.EDU; (314)-497-4497