SMT Research and Development (SMT R&D) has completed two clinical cases using the Shimon Embolic Filter (SHEF). SMT R&D developed a technology for brain protection (Neuroprotection) from stroke complication hazards arising from invasive cardiology procedures and heart surgery.
The company said that the SHEF filter reduces the risk of emboli (blood clots and other debris) from traveling to the brain. The procedure was performed at the University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands by Dr. Pieter Stella, director of Cardiac Catheterization and Interventional Cardiology.
The SMT filter is a medical device that acts as a filter, allowing normal blood flow to the brain, but filtering and diverting all emboli (blood clot, atheromatous material and calcified debris) downstream, thus preventing stroke. The product is designed to be used during interventional and surgical procedures, remaining in the patient throughout the procedure, and optionally for 24 hours.
The device has a curved ‘snow shoe’ design, with opposite stabilizers to fixate the device in the aortic arch. The filter is introduced in minutes through an arterial puncture and removed in the same mode. SMT R&D was established in November 2004 and is located in Herzliya, Israel.
The SMT Filter device was used in a 57-year-old female patient, and a 54-year-old male patient. Both underwent repeated PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) for treatment of instent restenosis (re-narrowing within a coronary stent).
The SMT filter device was inserted through the right common femoral artery, and passed retrograde through the descending aorta and positioned along the aortic arch, in front of all arterial branches to the brain. The device maintained its position throughout the test. Subsequent passage of angiographic catheters and dye injection did not affect the position of the filter.
Dov Shimon, founder and CEO of SMT Research and Development, said: “It is an exciting beginning of a new era for Neuroprotection. We are pleased with the overall success and ease of implementation of the SMT filter.”