Right Ventricle Measurement in Heart Disease The importance of understanding the shape, volume and function of the right ventricle of the heart has been increasingly described in peer-reviewed medical journals such as the American Journal of Cardiology. Accurate, reproducible and easily accessible methods to measure right ventricular volume and function are important because adequate right ventricle function is necessary for normal cardiac hemodynamics. The majority of congenital heart anomalies primarily affect the right ventricle, and proper patient management is dependent on monitoring RV volume and function. This requires accurate measurements. Monitoring is essential as the heart remodels over the years in response to volume and pressure overload and underlying congenital malformations. VDS Market Applications Monitoring congenital heart disease in pediatric and adult patients is the initial application for the VentriPoint Diagnostic System, with ongoing expansion into other heart disease markets. Clinical trials are scheduled to commence in Q4 2008 with revenue anticipated in the first half of 2009.
Competitive Landscape Traditional ultrasound, while inexpensive and easily accessible, does not provide adequate information to accurately evaluate the right ventricle of the heart. MRI and three-dimensional ultrasound provide information from which measurements can be made, but are expensive and not easily accessed in most hospitals. Also, completing the measurements can be excessively time consuming. The VentriPoint Diagnostic System does not require the customer to purchase additional imaging equipment, as it utilizes images obtained from devices already in use. This makes it economical for hospitals and clinics alike. It rapidly provides three-dimensional models and critical measurements for a fraction of the cost and time of MRI or three-dimensional ultrasound methods.
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