Image Credit: Corvion
Corvion is a pre-clinical stage company based in Webster, Texas. They are developing a fully-implantable LVAD that incorporates a highly efficient implantable rotary blood pump (Corvion claims 3X more efficient than competitors) coupled with a thin battery that gives 3 hours of free operation, and a robust transcutaneous energy transmission system.
Corvion’s pump is claimed to be 3 times more efficient than current LVAD pumps. It uses a hybrid magnetically-levitated impeller coupled to a high-efficiency motor. Corvion claims that it causes 70% less hemolysis due to the fact that high flow efficiency results in less blood cell residence time, so less blood damage.
The fully implanted battery and controller are a single integrated unit that is only 13 mm thick, so it is suitable for pectoral implant. It has an expected life of 3 years and can power the pump independently for up to 3 hours, so the patient can undertake activities without external equipment. For longer run times, the Mobile Charger can simultaneously power the pump and recharge the internal battery through the skin.
A lightweight (1 lb) external charger recharges the implanted power source and runs the pump for up to 18 hours on a single charge. It has no external cables or connectors, and doesn’t require precise alignment with the implanted energy receiving coil. The mobile charger is shaped to be worn in a light harness or pocket under clothing and is easily concealed.
In December 2020 Corvion’s fully-implantedd LVAD received Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA.
An interesting interview with Greg S. Aber, CEO of Corvion appeared today in Medgadget.
Corvion’s website is at: corvion.com