Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TODE20260813012
- Term of Validity
- 13 August 2026 - 13 August 2027
- Company's Country
- Germany
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Investment agreement
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
General information
- Short Summary
- A German university has developed an innovative kit for the safer insertion and fixation of cannulas used in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), an artificial heart-lung support system. The kit combines a flow-optimized cannula, sensor-assisted insertion and secure fixation. The university is seeking companies interested in research and development cooperation and further commercialization of the technology.
- Full Description
-
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an established life-support procedure for patients suffering from severe cardiac or pulmonary failure. However, the insertion, positioning and fixation of ECMO cannulas remain technically demanding and can be associated with complications such as vessel-wall injury, obstruction of the cannula openings or unstable fixation.
A German university of applied sciences has developed an innovative ECMO KIT that combines a novel flow-optimized cannula, a sensor-assisted introducer and a dedicated fixation device. The integrated system is designed to enable safer cannula insertion, precise positioning, optimized blood withdrawal and stable fixation.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides temporary mechanical support for patients with severe cardiac or respiratory failure. The insertion and positioning of the ECMO cannula is technically demanding and can involve risks such as vessel or heart wall injury, impaired blood flow and unstable fixation.
The presented invention addresses these challenges with an integrated ECMO KIT consisting of three main components:
- Flow-optimized ECMO cannula: The suction openings are arranged at the tip and laterally in a defined row. A visual marking supports correct alignment and is intended to reduce the risk of obstruction or suction against the vessel wall.
- Sensor-assisted introducer: Integrated sensors are designed to detect potential contact with the vessel or heart wall and warn the user during insertion. Markings on the introducer and cannula support precise positioning.
- Fixation device: A dedicated suturable fixation mechanism securely anchors the cannula while allowing controlled longitudinal adjustment of its position.
By combining these functions, the ECMO KIT is designed to make cannula insertion, positioning and fixation safer and more reliable. The technology is intended to be compatible with existing ECMO systems and can potentially be integrated into established clinical workflows.
The inventors are looking for companies active in ECMO, cardiovascular medical devices, extracorporeal life support or related medical technologies that are interested in further developing and commercializing the technology. - Advantages and Innovations
-
Unlike conventional ECMO cannulation solutions, the invention combines optimized blood flow, sensor-assisted insertion and secure, adjustable fixation in one integrated system. This combination is designed to improve safety and handling throughout the cannulation process.
- Flow-optimized cannula: The arrangement of the suction openings is designed to support efficient blood withdrawal and reduce the risk of obstruction or suction against the vessel wall.
- Sensor-assisted insertion: Integrated sensors are designed to detect potential contact with the vessel or heart wall and warn the user during insertion.
- Precise positioning: Visual markings on the cannula and introducer support accurate alignment and positioning.
- Secure and adjustable fixation: The fixation mechanism securely anchors the cannula while allowing controlled longitudinal adjustment.
- Integrated solution: The three components work together to address key challenges of ECMO cannulation within a single system.
- Compatibility with existing ECMO systems: The technology is intended to be integrated into established ECMO applications. - Stage of Development
- Concept stage
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- IPR status
- IPR applied but not yet granted
- IPR notes
- A German patent application has been filed for the invention.
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
-
The technology may be of particular interest to companies developing, manufacturing or commercializing ECMO systems and associated components, such as cannulas, introducers and fixation systems.Potential partners may contribute their expertise in medical device development, engineering, manufacturing, clinical validation, regulatory approval and market introduction.
The inventors offer interested companies the opportunity to:
- further develop and validate the ECMO KIT in cooperation with the inventors
- participate in a research and development project
- license the technology for further development and commercialization
A research collaboration is particularly envisaged as part of the further development of the technology. - Type and Size of Partner
- SME 11-49
- SME <=10
- SME 50 - 249
- Other
- Big company
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Investment agreement
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 06001007 - Emergency medicine
- 06001013 - Medical Technology / Biomedical Engineering
- Market keywords
- 05004001 - Electromedical and medical equipment
- 05004002 - Rescue and emergency equipment
- 05004004 - Medical instruments
- Sector Groups Involved
- Health
- Targeted countries
- All countries