Grand Rapids-based
Hopen Life Sciences has invested in the development of a minimally invasive medical device to treat mitral valve regurgitation (MVR). Current treatment involves stopping the heart to repair it during open heart surgery.
MVR causes stress on the heart because the valve doesn't close properly and allows blood to flow backwards into the left atrium. The heart pumps harder, which can cause it to enlarge; the enlargement can lead to congestive heart failure and other life threatening conditions.
Minnetonka, Minnesota-based NeoChord, Inc. is developing a device surgeons can insert in patients through a small incision near the ribs. The doctor uses the device to attach an artificial cord-like tendon from the apex of the heart to the damaged valve. By adjusting the tension on the tendon, the doctor can restrict the valve's movement and cause it to close properly.
"We think the market opportunity is a significant one," says Mark Olesnavage, Hopen's managing director. "Thousands have this condition and are either symptomatic or asymptomatic – they don't know there's a problem because they have no symptoms. As the mitral valve continues to backflow, depending on health and age a person may not be healthy enough to undergo open heart surgery."
European clinical trials are just beginning, Olesnavage says, and a U.S. clinical trial could begin in 2010.
Heart surgeons at
Mayo Clinic invented the device.
Hopen Life Sciences launched as Hopen Therapeutics four years ago and has invested in six different life sciences entities, says Olesnavage.
"We invested (in NeoChord, Inc.) with other Midwest groups and continue to work together to look for other opportunities," he says. "This one happened to be from Minnesota, but maybe in the future we'll find an opportunity in West Michigan that we'll invest in."
Source: Mark Olesnavage, Hopen Life Sciences; Nick Wasmiller,
Seyferth & AssociatesDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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