Integrated Sensing Systems (ISSYS), a Michigan-based developer of high performance MEMS system for scientific and medical sensing systems has announced that ISSYS along with the University of Michigan has received a grant for the development of miniature, pediatric cardiac implants.
The National Institute of Health awarded a grant worth $1.5 million for the “Novel Micro-Implant to Measure Intracardiac Pressure in Congenital Heart Patients.”
The principal investigator of the project and a pediatric cardiologist, Dr Martin Bocks stated that developing an implantable, wireless pressure sensor in collaboration with ISSYS will lead to improved quality of care that can be provided to patients along with the opportunity to gaining a better understanding of the patient’s physiology.
The President and CEO at ISSYS, Nader Najafi who is the technical principal investigator of the project stated that the NIH grant paves the way for clinical studies on children and infants with congenital heart defects by aiding in the development of intelligent, wireless miniature implants which do not require a battery to function. Najafi also explained that the challenges in the commercialization of the device include the stringent requirements and the small size.
ISSYS has earlier developed a wireless implant device without a battery for real-time and safe measurement of cardiac pressure in patients suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF). Currently intracranial wireless sensors are being developed for monitoring shunt pressure, which is critical in the management of hydrocephalus. The implantable, miniature micro-device features a MEMS pressure transducer, a telemetry antenna and custom electronics.
Source: https://mems-iss.com/