CroíValve, a Dublin-based medical device company, required specialised clinical imaging techniques to evaluate the real-world performance of its device capabilities not typically available in a standard laboratory environment. The company encountered a key technological bottleneck, the need to visualise device behaviour using echocardiography and fluoroscopy without the cost and complexity of acquiring and operating advanced imaging systems in-house. Understanding how the device interacted with cardiac anatomy in a clinically representative environment was essential before moving toward human clinical cases.
CroíValve partnered with the MET Technology Gateway at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Galway to simulate clinical implantation procedures for their innovative cardiac technology. By leveraging MET’s specialised imaging infrastructure and expertise, CroíValve gained critical insights into device performance under realistic clinical conditions, streamlining their R&D process and preparing for successful clinical outcomes.
MET Technology Gateway enabled CroíValve to bridge the gap between bench testing and clinical translation by providing access to advanced imaging infrastructure and specialist technical expertise. Delivering a tailored solution that provided CroíValve with:
- Advanced Clinical Imaging: MET provided echo visualisation on the bench using a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) probe, a capability CroíValve does not have in-house.
- Expert Support: MET’s expertise in fluoroscopy and echo allowed CroíValve to focus on device performance rather than the technical complexities of operating the imaging hardware.
- Integrated Testing Environment: The collaboration utilised MET’s facilities to incorporate model technology from LifeTec Group, allowing CroíValve to work with international partners within an Irish-based research hub.
Aoife Mulligan, Senior R&D/Clinical Engineer at CroíValve said, “The ability to have echo visualisation on the bench via TEE probe was a huge benefit. This is something we are unable to do in-house. Visualisation of the device via echo is key to assessing device performance.”
Billy Donovan, Business Development at MET Technology Gateway, stated, “By providing clinical-grade imaging like TEE and fluoroscopy, MET has empowered CroíValve to de-risk R&D in a highly authentic environment. This collaboration highlights how our infrastructure acts as a commercial catalyst—transforming technical bottlenecks into validated pathways for market-ready cardiac innovation.”
The partnership has fundamentally enhanced CroíValve’s approach to product development and procedural validation. Allowing the company to:
- Improve Device Understanding: The ability to simulate implantation using clinical imaging has provided a deeper understanding of how the device performs during a procedure.
- Overcome Technological Bottlenecks: Access to MET’s specialised imaging suite removed the hurdle of acquiring and learning complex clinical equipment, accelerating the R&D timeline.
- Provide Clinical Readiness: The insights gained from these simulations are directly contributing to the preparation for successful clinical cases.
- Obtain Local Access to Global Standards: The collaboration allowed CroíValve to use LifeTec Group models within Ireland, simplifying logistics while maintaining high experimental standards.
The success of this engagement has established a new standard for CroíValve’s R&D culture.
- Future R&D Approach: Having experienced the value of clinically representative environments, CroíValve anticipates more frequent use of MET’s facilities throughout their development cycles.
- Innovation Roadmap: Moving forward, the company is interested in exploring even more advanced techniques, such as 4D intracardiac echo, to further refine device assessment.
Reflecting on the success of the collaboration, Dr. Jamie Meehan, MET Technology Gateway Manager noted, “By providing CroíValve with a ‘clinical window’ into device performance long before it reaches the operating theatre, we have transformed their R&D process from theoretical to experiential. This collaboration proves that when we bridge the gap between bench testing and real-world imaging, we don’t just validate technology, we accelerate the path to life-saving clinical success.”
The collaboration between CroíValve and MET Technology Gateway demonstrates the power of providing MedTech companies with “clinically representative” testing environments. By removing the infrastructure barriers to advanced imaging, MET has enabled CroíValve to advance their device performance understanding with confidence, ensuring that Irish-led cardiac innovations are robustly tested and ready for the clinical stage.
To discuss how MET can support and accelerate your business growth, please contact Dr. Jamie Meehan at jamie.meehan@atu.ie. Further information on MET Technology Gateway is available via their website or LinkedIn.
