MiTiHeart Corporation
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MiTiHeart Corporation is a product technology company specializing in ventricular assist devices (VAD) for patients suffering from congestive heart failure. The MiTiHeart® LVAD is an implantable left ventricular assist device being developed by MiTi for distribution by MiTiHeart Corporation, which is a subsidiary of MiTi.
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[edit] Testing
The MiTiHeart® LVAD is based on an optimal magnetic bearing support system that is totally non-contact. A unique feature of the MiTiHeart design configuration is the very simple and direct flow path for both main and washing blood flows. The non-contact nature of the magnetic bearing allows for fully washed flow paths to avoid stagnation points that might promote thrombi formation. Considerable flexibility in design of these flow paths can be obtained through variations in the magnetic bearing system design. With proper design, it becomes possible to both avoid stagnation points, while at the same time maintain large enough clearances throughout the flow path to also eliminate regions of local high shear stress. The low shear associated with the relatively large gaps between the rotating surfaces and lower speeds (3,000 rpm compared with 10,000 rpm in axial pumps) ensures low blood damage. Equally important, the use of non-contact bearings totally eliminates the lifetime reducing wear and tribocompatibility issues that are present in rolling element or point contact bearing systems.
[edit] Prototype
The prototype pump has been tested in the laboratory and in animal studies. Hemolysis testing of the prototype pump was performed in-house and also at the Hershey Medical Center. The test results indicated a very low normalized index of hemolysis of less than 0.01. Several in vivo animal tests have been successfully completed at Hershey Medical Center. During the animal tests, the pump was hooked up to the calf and operated in parallel with the calf's heart. The initial animal studies demonstrated the efficacy of MiTiHeart® LVAD with respect to surgical procedures for implanting the pump and the assessment of initial transition shock on the pump and animal, as well as form, fit and function tests.
[edit] Company and Key Personnel Awards
Said Jahanmir, Ph.D., President & CEO
ASME Dedicated Service Award (1995)
STLE International Award (1997)
ASME Mayo D. Hersey Award (2001)
Dr. Jahanmir was featured in the May 2004 Tribology & Lubrication Technology Article "20 minutes with Said Jahanmir"
[edit] Patented Technology
The company has protected its developed intellectual property through numerous patents liscensed from its parent company Mohawk Innovative Technology Inc. some of which are listed below:
1. Pump Having Magnetic Bearing for Pumping Blood and the Like: US Patent No. 6,201,329
2. Combination Magnetic Radial and Thrust Bearing: US Patent No. 6,717,311
3. Redundant Thrust Bearing for Magnetically Levitated Blood Pump: US Patent Disclosure in Process
