Microtech, a wholly owned subsidiary of Medinol Inc., a global leader in medical technology research and development, announced that it has initiated human clinical trials of its microsensor platform, in a trial to measure atrial pressures important for the treatment of heart failure. The first implantation was recently performed by Professor Erez Sharoni at the Beilinson Medical Center in Petah-Tikva, Israel .

Microtech’s implantable microsensor platform is the culmination of decades of development into a new class of sensor technology that can be used not only as a standalone device, but can also be integrated into any existing device. Due to its sub-millimeter size, completely passive function, and external communication via ultrasound, this technology makes it possible to turn existing implants into smart devices, capable of collecting data and performing multiple functions at once.

Speaking about the promise of Microtech’s sensor platform, Professor Sharoni, Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery, explained: “This incredible technology has the potential to change the standard of care for patients suffering from heart failure and in particular, in this current study, those receiving LVAD devices or heart transplants.”

The data generated by the implanted sensors will be collected and used by heart failure specialists to inform clinical decision-making for these patients. "Heart failure is characterized by periods of inactivity, followed by periods of deterioration, requiring repeated hospitalizations. This innovative technology will allow us to track patient parameters in real time, to intervene earlier if necessary and reduce morbidity and mortality for these patients," said Dr. Tuvia Ben-Gal , director of heart failure at Rabin Medical Center.

“Incorporating sensors into existing medical devices gives physicians the ability to treat patients based on quantifiable physiological parameters rather than symptoms and is a critical step in increasing access to equitable healthcare across the global community. Using a compact home unit, a patient with a Microtech-enabled implant can provide immediate and highly accurate pressure readings directly to their physician, making geographic distance or mobility issues no longer an issue,” said Dr. Yoram Richter , CEO of Medinol.

"This unique capability is transformative for a wide range of clinical scenarios, including patients suffering from heart failure, glaucoma, hydrocephalus, portal hypertension, AAA endoleaks and many more, providing broader access to healthcare and fewer office or hospital visits. Most importantly, from the perspective of treating physicians and device manufacturers, sensor-enabled smart devices will go beyond acute anatomical corrections, extending treatment to lifelong patient care."