Israeli Device Could Replace Anticoagulants In Surgery - Non-invasive Mobile Compression System That Helps Keep The Blood Circulating In The Limbs

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 06 Oct 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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Surgeons are always concerned about the hazard of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in their patients. In the wake of surgery, blood clots can form deep in the body, leading to pain and swelling, or - if the clot starts to move - even death.

While patients routinely receive anticoagulants to prevent clots from forming, these drugs have a significant drawback - they increase the risk of bleeding complications.

Now, an Israeli company may have the answer. MCS Medical Compression Systems, based in Or Akiva, has developed a non-invasive mobile compression system that helps keep the blood circulating in the limbs, providing an effective alternative to anticoagulants in preventing DVT.

The device, called ActiveCare+SFT (Synchronized Flow Technology), combines a mobile unit with calf and foot compression sleeves that can be easily wrapped around the patient's leg or foot during and after surgery.

Automatic synchronization

The unit identifies a patient's venous blood flow pulses and synchronizes itself to these natural rhythms. It compresses the limb sleeves, automatically applying the correct pressure and inflation rate.

According to Dr. Jacob Barak, the company co-founder and chief scientist, this gentle pressure delivers an optimal hemodynamic profile tailored to the patient's specific physiology. "Its higher blood flow speed, compact size, and the fact that it can be worn 24/7 give it a definite advantage over comparable products," he tells ISRAEL21c.

ActiveCare+SFT weighs is small and lightweight and has received both FDA and CE approval. It can be operated either by battery or the mains.

Barak says the device's unprecedented mobility has resulted in a dramatic 50 percent increase in patient compliance compared to standard IPC (intermittent pneumatic compression) systems, which have poor compliance rates among patients, particularly those who start to walk, but are not yet fully mobile. Using MCS's device, patient compliance is actually monitored on the LCD screen, providing feedback for caregivers, physicians and patients themselves.

Leading medical centers in the US have already show great interest in MCS's blood circulation systems. ActiveCare+SFT has been tested in a two year clinical trial at nine US sites, including the Mayo Clinic, the Cedars Sinai, Center for Hip and Knee Replacement, the Cleveland Clinic and the Scripps Clinic, to compare its safety and effectiveness with anticoagulant drugs like Lovenox - low molecular weight heparin.

Better safety profile

Study results show that while the device was just as effective as the anticoagulant in DVT prevention, it had a significantly better safety profile with a major reduction in serious bleeding events.

"We believe that these outstanding clinical results will support the adoption of our new model as a replacement for drug prophylaxis," asserts CFO Ronen Koyfman to ISRAEL21c.

Three clinical facilities in the US were so impressed by the interim results of MCS's study - its performance in the operating room and during recovery surpassed all expectations, that they have now decided to forgo the use of anticoagulant drugs in future orthopedic surgery, such as total hip arthroplasty. Other medical centers that took part in the trial are also considering adopting the same prophylactic model.

MCS was founded in 1997 by industrial engineer Adi Dagan, the company's CEO, and Barak, a cardiac surgeon. Their goal was to use their expertise to find non-pharmaceutical solutions to blood circulation problems. In recent years they began to focus on the subject of DVT prevention. First generation MCS systems are already in use in Israeli, Japanese and American hospitals.

The company's devices are assembled and quality tested in Israel, but sleeves are manufactured in the US. MCS employs a team of 16 in Israel for research, development, administration and production and maintains six marketing personnel in the US.

"We aim to be the leaders in this market, and for ActiveCare+SFT to replace today's widespread use of anticoagulant drugs," says Dagan. "We firmly believe ours is the best solution in the world for DVT prevention and minimizing bleeding problems."

MCS Medical Compression Systems,

Israel 21C