Researchers in Bern have pioneered a revolutionary method to address the challenge of Microvascular Obstruction (MVO) occurring after a heart attack, promising a significant leap forward in cardiac care.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, disrupts the heart muscle’s oxygen and nutrient supply, leading to potentially fatal blockages. Despite advancements in treating larger arterial blockages, secondary obstructions in the cardiac microcirculation affect 40-60% of patients after the primary coronary artery has been unblocked. Annually, around 200,000 people in Switzerland face this challenge, with MVO often going undiagnosed due to its subtlety and the absence of effective treatments targeting these smaller vessels.
Dominik Obrist from the ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research at the University of Bern sheds light on the condition’s elusive nature and the necessity for innovative treatment approaches. His research group’s novel technique marks the first time a method has been developed to both diagnose and treat MVO, propelling the field toward more comprehensive cardiac care.
The researchers delved into the fluid mechanics of blood flow within the heart’s microcirculation to devise a strategy for reaching these diminutive vessels, as fine as a human hair. Their approach involves a newly designed balloon catheter that, when inflated at the site of the initial obstruction, facilitates the precise diagnosis of MVO by assessing pressure and resistance during fluid infusion.
Synergies between academia, clinical practice, and the industry within the Bern medical ecosystem
Furthermore, the team successfully demonstrated a method to effectively deliver clot-dissolving medication directly to the blocked micro-vessels. This innovation significantly enhances the treatment’s efficacy by ensuring high concentrations of the medication reach the intended site, overcoming the challenge of medication being washed out into adjacent healthy vessels.
This interdisciplinary endeavor exemplifies the synergy between academia, clinical practice, and the industry within the Bern medical hub. The creation of CorFlow Therapeutics AG, a start-up aimed at bringing this technology to clinical use, signifies a crucial step towards integrating MVO treatment into standard cardiac care protocols. With ongoing in vivo testing and the initiation of clinical trials, this research holds the promise of transforming the treatment landscape for heart attack patients by offering a new avenue for tackling the long-overlooked issue of MVO.
