Fluidx Medical has released information regarding the success of the IMPASS Embolic Device in in vivo research related to middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolisations that can be used to treat chronic subdural haematomas (CSDH) on the surface of the brain.
CSDH is a common pathology that can result in death and/or disability in patients. The typical treatment of CSDH involves drilling a hole in the skull and draining the blood. Minimally invasive catheter-based MMA embolisation can be an alternative to surgical treatment.
“We have been listening to clinicians and they need better tools to treat CSDH,” said Danny Smith, vice president of research and development for Fluidx. “We designed the IMPASS embolisation device to work with standard embolisation catheters and embolise microvasculature in the MMA. Our results are encouraging and the IMPASS product could be a great solution to unmet patient needs.”
MMA embolisation is a promising option to address CSDH and is particularly appealing for elderly patients and others who cannot undergo invasive surgical procedures. Hundreds of thousands of patients with CSDHs may benefit from this minimally invasive procedure, as per a Fluidx press release. During the procedure, a small catheter is navigated into the MMA located within the dura mater, which covers the brain, then an embolic material is delivered into the vessel to block arterial flow.
The Fluidx embolic platform is expected to bring simple preparation and controllable material delivery to a range of applications. The IMPASS device is packaged in a ready-to-use syringe, can be prepped tableside by the clinician in about 30 seconds, and may be delivered through standard microcatheters (no complex mixing systems or special delivery catheters are necessary).
