Procyrion, Inc. is a medical device firm developing the first catheter-deployed circulatory assist device intended for long-term use in the treatment of chronic heart failure.

Its Aortix is a small, continuous-flow pump mounted within a self-expanding anchoring system and delivered via catheter through the femoral artery to the descending thoracic aorta. Once the catheter sheath is pulled back, nickel-titanium anchors deploy to anchor the pump to the aortic wall. Aortix functions by accelerating a portion of the native aortic flow, resulting in reduced work of the heart and increased blood flow to vital organs.

In partnership with maxon precision motors, inc., grant funds are being used to modify the adult Aortix device for use in children born with single ventricle heart defects. To optimize the circulatory assist device for pediatric use, maxon precision motors is donating a supply of modified motors and engineering support to the project. In addition to adapting the device to fit a child, the Procyrion team has already begun optimizing the flow profile needed to clinically manage single ventricle physiologies associated with the Fontan procedure.

“Many devices for adults are not suitable for pediatric use, but the small form factor of Aortix makes it useful for the pediatric patient. With minor modifications, we hope to create a first-in-class device for pediatric patients with failing Fontan circulation,” said Ben Hertzog, president and CEO of Procyrion.

Procyrion is also working with Dr. Charles Fraser, Chief of Congenital Heart Surgery and Cardiac Surgeon-In-Charge, and Dr. Daniel Penny, Chief of Pediatric Cardiology, at Texas Children’s Hospital to help ensure this early work leads to a clinically useful device. “This is a promising technology with many potential applications,” said Dr. Fraser. “I am excited about its potential and look forward to working together with Procyrion to develop those applications.”

maxon precision motors inc.
www.maxonmotorusa.com