Based in Galway, Neuravi has developed an innovative clot-retrieving device designed to treat patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Ischemic stroke is characterised by the sudden loss of blood circulation to an area of the brain, resulting in a corresponding loss of neurologic function. An acute ischemic stroke is caused by thrombotic or embolic occlusion of a cerebral artery and is more common than haemorrhagic stroke.
Prior to carrying out costly in vivo trials, the company was required to verify device performance through a series of in vitro studies. However, no cerebrovascular model was commercially available that simulates the specific anatomical challenges relevant to testing the device. The MET Gateway & Neuravi collaborated on an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnership project to address this technology gap by developing an in vitro simulation system designed for testing the performance of their product.
As one of GMIT’s core competencies; 3D vascular modelling and expertise in the fabrication of complex non-planar models, the Gateway’s research staff worked with the company to identify a set of performance criteria through medical image analysis of patient specific cerebrovascular anatomy. Once a comprehensive image based analysis and reconstruction of 3D cerebrovascular anatomy was carried out, various elastomeric models were fabricated. Each of the models generated closely mimicked both the geometrical compliance and frictional behaviour properties of the native vasculature.
A flow rig design system incorporating the clinically relevant models fabricated was designed and generated, facilitating the in vitro evaluation of the company’s device delivery and performance. Since completion of the innovation partnership, GMIT has maintained a high level of interaction with the company and has generated several patient specific models with varying tortuous characteristics. Furthermore the company is co-sponsoring a 3 year funded PhD through the IRC employment based programme and has applied with GMIT PI’s to Horizon 2020. Neuravi is one of the industry representatives on the MET Gateway industry steering committee
“The neurovascular models developed by MET played an important role in Neuravi’s EmboTrap device development, and we also use these models in training stroke doctors in our technology. The work at MET has made an important contribution to the successful treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients with our device.”
Michael Gilvarry Head of Research & Development Neuravi Ltd
This project was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Enterprise Ireland under the Border, Midland and Western Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020.
