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Boston Scientific, CÚRAM and SFI announce medical device research collaboration

Posted on about 6 years ago by Larry O'Leary

A Curam1a

Boston Scientific, CÚRAM and SFI announce medical device research collaboration

A new research project between CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices based at National University Ireland (NUI) Galway, and Boston Scientific has been announced in Washington by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

(Photo: L-R: Dr Carmel McGroarty Mitchell, CÚRAM industry programme manager;Prof Abhay Pandit, scientific director, CÚRAM; Prof Mark Ferguson, SFI; Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD; and Dr David Knapp, vice-president, corporate research, Boston Scientific)

The research will enhance medical devices that allow surgeons to support minimally invasive procedures when carrying out life-saving repairs for aneurysms and aortic valve repair. It is one of several new research projects emerging from the collaboration between CÚRAM and Boston Scientific.

Bringing together clinical and industry expertise and experience with biomedical and scientific research excellence
This new project, led by CÚRAM principal investigator (PI) Dr Niamh Hynes, offers the potential to develop new devices by bringing together clinical and industry expertise and experience with biomedical and scientific research excellence.

Interventional cardiology is a branch of cardiology dealing specifically with catheter-based treatment of structural heart diseases. Minimally invasive transcatheter procedures for aortic valve repair, which involve inserting a replacement valve are being used more frequently, reducing the risk of surgery for patients.

Research is now focusing on the development of novel interventional solutions, which allow blood to flow in the correct direction through the heart. CÚRAM principal investigator Dr Faisal Sharif, in collaboration with Boston Scientific, is developing technology to further reduce risk and improve outcomes for patients undergoing these surgeries.

Preclinical evaluation of a catheter device to support muscle and vascular regeneration
Another research project, led by CÚRAM Investigator Prof Tim O’ Brien, is carrying out a preclinical evaluation of a catheter device to support muscle and vascular regeneration in patients suffering from critical limb ischaemia; a severe obstruction of the arteries which reduces blood flow to the extremities.

CÚRAM investigators Prof Gearoid Ó Laighin and Dr Leo Quinlan are also collaborating with Boston Scientific on the development of a novel implantable electrical stimulation device to improve cardiovascular circulation.

World-class research ecosystem
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD said: “Thanks to significant government investment in R&D through Science Foundation Ireland, we have built a world-class research ecosystem, and Ireland is now recognised as a global leader in creative, innovative technologies.

“By collaborating with industry on innovative research, I hope we can look forward to the development of new and affordable solutions for chronic diseases, which can have a transformative effect on people’s lives.”

Prof Abhay Pandit, scientific director of the SFI Research Centre CÚRAM said: “This unique, multi-disciplinary, specialist environment is key to CÚRAM’s success in developing strong programmes of work with our industry partners; in this case bringing substantial investment from Boston Scientific. This project is in addition to three other ongoing research projects with Boston Scientific.”

Establish long-term strategic relationships with our industry partners
“CÚRAM’s goal is to establish long-term strategic relationships with our industry partners, to complete projects that advance medical device technologies and inventions and convert these into products and services that benefit the patient,” said Prof Pandit.

“Our industry programme team facilitates and supports collaborations such as the projects we are working on with Boston Scientific; from the initial inquiry right through to knowledge transfer and the identification of future projects.”

Boston Scientific products touch the lives of more than 25 million patients each year. Its Galway facility, which focuses on cardiovascular devices, is the company’s largest facility in Ireland. Key product lines include drug-eluting stents, biliary stents, and catheters