Challenge
Embolic agents such as pushable and detachable coils are being used for a wide range of clinical applications within interventional radiology, such as arterial bleedings and treatment of peripheral aneurysms. Those procedures are relatively costly and time inefficient due to fact that, depending on the case, a large number of coils is needed to successfully achieve an occlusion and stop the bleeding or to fill the aneurysm. Consequently, despite its broad clinical indications in many fields, these coils remain unknown and underutilized in many countries around the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Opportunity
Therefore, there is a need for an embolic agent that is easy to use and deploy, can be reliably positioned and placed, causes minimal (micro)catheter kickback and is also affordable for lower- and middle-income countries, because the current available coils in western countries are premium priced and these products are too expensive for low- and middle-income countries.
Solution
Occlufibre is developing a novel fibre based embolic agent. This one-size fits all solution will be detached on the spot after successful occlusion. This affordable solution leads to higher precision, lower intervention times and better availability of embolic agents in middle- and low-income countries.
Status
The proof of principle for the Occlufibre concept was successfully demonstrated. A follow-up study will be performed in an in vitro model followed by the first in vivo studies.
Meet the team
Dr. Prof. Stefan Jockenhövel
Inventor
Prof. Richard Ramakers
Inventor
Alessandro Radaelli
Venture partner at NLC
Alessandro joined NLC in April 2022 and brings over 20 years of experience in the MedTech industry. His passion lies in translating clinical needs into meaningful solutions, building purpose-driven 'tribes' of early adopters and taking impactful innovations from idea to business realisation. He has lived in four European countries and has travelled to more than 20 countries with great curiosity for healthcare systems, and the local food culture.
Bender Ziegerink
Venture Manager
Bender joined NLC in January 2022 as a venture developer. He developed his passion for healthtech during his BSc in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Groningen. He also holds an MSc in Engineering and Policy Analysis from the Delft University of Technology. Bender is highly motivated to contribute to creating meaningful ventures with a positive impact all around the world.