Unmet Need
There is a significant incidence of cardiac surgery in the United State and heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Cardiac surgery represents a significant burden to the United States (U.S.) healthcare system with over 294,000 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and valve replacement/repair procedures performed annually (Stevens et al., 2019).
One particular component of cardiac surgery—temporary epicardial pacing wires—exist to provide temporary pacing is to reestablish normal hemodynamics that are acutely compromised by a slow or fast heart rate. Temporary pacing can also be used prophylactically when the need for pacing is anticipated, and can be can be lifesaving (Estes, 2020). However, removal of temporary epicardial pacing wires (TEPW) in the postoperative period can lead to serious bleeding necessitating surgical intervention and conferring high morbidity (Cote et al., 2020).
Therefore, there is a strong need for the development of innovative mechanisms to improve safety and patient outcomes related to the removal of epicardial pacing wires.
Technology Overview
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have conceptualized the possibility for the atraumatic release of epicardial pacing wires, placed following cardiac surgery. This technology would present immense implications; researchers proposes two means of achieving an atraumatic release of epicardial pacing wires. Both methods ultimately will eliminate the complication of bleeding upon epicardial removal post cardiac surgery. These methods theoretically eliminate all risk to placement and removal of life saving, epicardial pacing wires.
Stage of Development
Conceptual stage.
Publication
N/A
