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Minimal invasive foetal surgery using endoscopy is a promising medical technology to treat children before birth, e.g. children with rare diseases like twin to twin transfusion syndrome. During endoscopy, the maternal abdominal wall, uterus, and membranes surrounding the foetus are punctured. This introduces a risk for leakage of amniotic fluid and a risk of up to 40 of membrane rupture. Ruptures induced by foetal endoscopic surgery is a strong trigger for premature birth, infection and maternal sepsis and is considered the “Achilles heel” of foetal endoscopic surgery. Until now, there is no satisfying solution for this problem.
We developed an advanced collagen plug (medical device) that closes the membranes at the endoscopic entry point in fetoscopy, thereby preventing amniotic fluid leakage and associated severe complications The plug is designed to expand upon placement, seal the membranes, and allow regeneration of amniotic/chorionic tissue, hence preventing rupture. The plug is crimped before application allowing the use of minimally invasive surgical instruments and deploys when applied into the defect. This invention describes the first plug with shape memory (introduced by the creation of local hydrophobic patches) which gives the product its unique features and added value.
Applications
- Neonatology
- Foetal surgery
- Premature birth
- Pregnancy
Development status
- Functional design is ready and tested in several animal models with great results (TRL 3 > experimental proof of concept)
- Patent pending (priority date December 31st 2020)
- Funding has been granted to further develop and clinically validate the expandable collagen plug
Opportunity
- We offer a licensing opportunity for the patent covering the described invention
- We are interested in collaboration and/or co-development
Contact
For more information contact us through businessdevelopment@radboudumc.nl.
