CORMEND
A startup created to develop minimally invasive and catheter base mechanical strategies for treating and preventing post-infarction (post-heart attack) heart failure. During the past decade, the Gorman Cardiovascular Research Group has done extensive work demonstrating how the restoration of left ventricular shape can improve post-infarction heart failure. Cormend leverages the large animal testing facilities and engineering /prototyping capabilities of the GCRG to develop less invasive and ultimately catheter-based technologies to achieve restoration of heart shape and function. A patent portfolio protects all related intellectual property.
Three dimension model of a left ventricular reshaping and assist device currently under development by the Gorman Cardiovascular Research Group. This device is designed to be placed on the epicardial surface over the left ventricular infarct region to optimally adjust geometry based on patient-specific response with the ultimate goal of stimulating reverse remodeling. The device consists of a flexible outer shell, attachment platforms, and pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM). The flexible outer shell allows the device to bend to the 2D curvature of the epicardial surface and to contract in the circumferential direction. Attachment platforms are used to fasten the device to the epicardial surface using either suture or mechanical fasteners. PAMs provides the mechanical force to adjust ventricular circumferential and radial dimensions by shorting the device circumferentially and expanding radially. The device can also provide non-blood contacting direct epicardial assistance by cycling the PAMs in synchrony with the native ventricular contraction. This partial assist improves stroke volume and decreases the workload of the heart which could enhance myocardial function.
Simulation of reshaping/assist device placement on the left ventricular epicardial surface. The device is sized to fit over the infarct region and its shape is flexible in order to conform to the ventricular curvature. The suture or mechanical fasteners are used to affix the attachment platforms to the epicardial surface. Pneumatic drive lines (not shown) provide the mechanical force to contract the artificial muscles which alter the ventricular geometry, reshaping and assisting the heart.
Animation of reshaping/assist device contraction when pneumatic pressure is applied to artificial muscles. Pneumatic pressure causes the artificial muscles to contract circumferentially and expand radially resulting in circumferential shortening and radial thickening of the device. The applied pressure can be either static for reshaping and/or dynamic to provide partial assist.
