Congestive heart failure (CHF), a condition in which the heart loses functionality and blood-pumping capability, exacts a high cost on American society. CHF affects an estimated 5.8 million Americans and contributed to 282,574 deaths in 2006. In addition, heart failure is predicted to cost the U.S. $39.2 billion in 2010 due to medical costs and lost productivity.
CardioPolymers (formerly Symphony Medical) of Laguna Hills, Calif., is developing a medical device to reverse CHF in patients who an enlarged left ventricle as a result of mitral valve regurgitation, ischemia, dilated cardiomyopathy and/or other disorders. Algisyl-LVR consists of a proprietary biopolymer that is injected with a custom applicator during open-heart surgery into strategic areas of the left ventricle. The polymer thickens and forms gel-like bodies that remain in the heart muscle as permanent implants. These implants are designed to reshape the heart, reducing the size of the left ventricle and thickening the heart’s damaged wall, leading to improved cardiac function. The company has successfully tested Algisyl-LVR on its first patient in Munich, Germany. CardioPolymers is working with the FDA to allow for U.S. clinical trials of the device.
On June 2, 2010, CardioPolymers merged with medical device startup LoneStar Heart, Inc. and became a fully owned subsidiary of that company. CardioPolymers will continue to develop Algisyl-LVR while benefiting from LoneStar Heart’s technology pipeline.
Attendees of the OneMedForum San Francisco 2011 healthcare conference will have the opportunity to learn more about CardioPolymers, as well as other emerging growth companies poised to change the future of healthcare. The conference will take place January 11-13, 2011 at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Click here to find out more about OneMedForum San Francisco 2011.