Israeli biotechnology start-up BioControl Medical reported today that the Heart Center at Georg-August University of Göttingen, Germany is the seventh clinical site in Europe to implant the CardioFit system in a patient. BioControl's CardioFit system is currently being studied as a treatment for advanced congestive heart failure in an international study at clinical sites in Europe, Israel, and Australia.
The principal investigators of BioControl’s CardioFit study at the Heart Center at Georg-August University Göttingen include: Heart Failure Cardiologist Professor Gerd Hasenfuss, Electrophysiologist Professor Markus Zabel and Surgeon Professor Dieter Zenker.
The CardioFit system increases the parasympathetic tone by applying electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. A sensing electrode in the right ventricle detects the patient’s heart rate and is used to control nerve stimulation.
“The procedure lasted for about two hours. There were no complications. The patient recovered well and was released from the hospital two days after the implantation.” said Professor Zenker.
Pre-clinical and preliminary clinical data demonstrate that vagus nerve stimulation has a therapeutic role in treating heart failure as it may harness the beneficial effects of parasympathetic stimulation, as well as reduce the heart rate and ventricular volumes. The CardioFit system has also been found to provide the same benefit when used simultaneously with other existing optimal medical therapies.
BioControl develops and markets advanced implantable devices for the treatment of autonomic disorders, conditions whereby the autonomic nervous system ceases to function properly, resulting in a disruption to the control of involuntary body processes. BioControl's flagship product, the miniaturo treats various forms of urinary incontinence.
Investors in Yehud-based BioControl include Pitango Venture Capital, HBM BioVentures, and Shrem, Fudim, Kelner & Company.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on October 17, 2007
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