Saving Hearts and Minds
Only one out of ten cardiac arrest victims survive today
Current standard of care does not reach high enough blood flow to resuscitate most patients. Neither does it buy enough time for more advanced treatment of the patient, such as heart-lung machine. Neurescue seeks to address this unmet need with next-generation medical technology.
The NEURESCUE device
Neurescue is developing cardiovascular devices to help emergency patients. We are passionate about using technology to enable life-saving procedures. Our first product, the NEURESCUE device, is the world’s most advanced aortic occlusion catheter with unprecedented safety features. It is the first computer-aided aortic occlusion catheter with pressure-controlled inflation and position feedback. Aortic occlusion is also known as Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of Aorta (REBOA). A balloon is advanced into the descending aorta through the femoral artery and temporarily inflated, thereby redirecting blood flow to the heart and the brain. Our future goal is to enable the clinical utility of further life-saving procedures.
The computer-assisted safety feedback includes an alarm indicating if insertion into branch vessels to the aorta has occurred.
Protecting The Brain
The brain is subject to decreased blood flow during a cardiac arrest, preventing time for advanced definitive treatments and leading to brain damage. Aortic occlusion during cardiac arrest increases the cerebral perfusion pressure with 200% as compared to standard treatment in the pig model. [1]
Supporting The Heart
Nine studies of aortic occlusion in models of cardiac arrest have shown substantial increases in both coronary artery flow and coronary perfusion pressure.[2] Coronary perfusion pressure is principal in achieving survival return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The higher the CPP, the higher the likelihood of achieving ROSC. [3]
The Procedure
Today the standard of care for treating cardiac arrest patients consists of chest compressions, ventilation and defibrillation, and the majority do not survive this treatment. The NEURESCUE device is being investigated as an adjunct to existing treatment, with the potential to increase survival and neurological outcome.
During on-going chest compressions, a blood vessel in the leg (the femoral artery) is accessed with a sheath. The NEURESCUE device is inserted into this sheath. The NEURESCUE device ensures safe inflation and aids with feedback. The intention of this step is to increase the chance of immediate resuscitation by increasing the blood flow to the heart and to protect the brain by increasing the blood flow to the brain. Furthermore this step may bridge the patient to advanced care, such as bypass surgery or prolonged resuscitation with a heart-lung machine.
We are continuously looking for strategic and clinical partners.
References & Terms of Use
1 Sesma J, et al. Effect of intra-aortic occlusion balloon in external thoracic compressions during CPR in pigs. Am J Emerg Med 2002;20:453–62.
2 Daley J, et al. The role of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) as an adjunct to ACLS in non-traumatic cardiac arrest. Am J Emerg Med 2017;35.10.1016/j.ajem.2017.01.010.
3 Paradis N, et al. Coronary perfusion pressure and the return of spontaneous circulation in human cardiopulmonary resuscitation. JAMA 1990;263(8):1106–13.
