SUMMARY:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Radiological Sciences have developed a retrievable flow reducer to reduce coronary blood flow.
BACKGROUND:
Due to the improvement in life expectancy of coronary heart disease patients, clinicians have been facing a surge of chronic refractory angina (RA) cases. The condition affects millions worldwide and can be treated with certain implantable medical devices that are designed to reduce blood flow. Conventional flow reducers, however, are non-retrievable and often result in total occlusion. This can be problematic when used to treat conditions such as refractory angina or perform procedures, such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which require partial and adjustable flow rates. Additionally, in the event of malfunctions or complication, flow reducer devices should be retrievable and replaceable. To date, only one flow reducer device is available that allows for partial flow reduction but the device is not removable, limiting its application and use to the treatment of refractory angina. There is a need of a flow reducer system and device that is retrievable and adjustable to increase the versatility in treatment options for healthcare professionals and providing better outcomes for patients.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers have designed a retrievable flow reducer device with adjustable flow rate. The device is an improvement from commercial products due to its ability to have adjustable flow as well as be retracted from the body and replaced if needed. The device is made from biocompatible materials which, with its retractable nature, makes it suitable for use in many other clinical applications such as TIPS (that require the adjustment of flow rates over the course of treatment). Additionally, the device presents an improved safety profile since it can be removed in case of complications, such as thrombosis, or upon malfunction. This novel flow reducer design provides clinicians with a variety of treatment options for coronary heart disease and other clinical applications requiring regulation of bodily fluid flow.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Chronic refractory angina
- Transjungular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
- Coronary heart disease
ADVANTAGES:
- Adjustable blood flow
- Retractable/Retrievable
- Replaceable
DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:
A flow reducer prototype has been designed and built.