Paradox Medical partnered with MET Technology Gateway at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and LifeTec Group to test its delivery system in a clinically relevant environment. Testing with real hearts in MET’s imaging suite revealed challenges that bench work had not identified, informing subsequent optimisation of the delivery system. Procedure videos and fluoroscopy recordings also provided evidence of development progress for investors and a shared reference for the company’s engineers and clinical collaborators.
The Challenge
Paradox Medical needed to understand how its delivery system would behave in real heart anatomy. Despite extensive bench testing, the team encountered previously unforeseen challenges when testing in a more lifelike environment. Identifying these issues was important for guiding further engineering development. The company also needed clear evidence of progress for investor discussions and a way for its engineers and clinical collaborators to review the same observations, understand device behaviour and plan the next round of R&D testing.
The MET Technology Gateway Solution
MET combined its imaging suite and specialist expertise with LifeTec’s animal heart model to support clinically relevant testing of Paradox Medical’s delivery system.
- Clinically Relevant Testing: The LifeTec study used real hearts in MET’s imaging suite, allowing Paradox Medical to assess its delivery system in a lifelike setting without the complexities associated with a live animal study.
- Expert Support: Paradox Medical identified the imaging suite and Florian’s support as particularly valuable. MET’s facilities and technical expertise supported testing with the LifeTec heart model.
- Procedure Recording and Fluoroscopy: Recordings captured the procedure for later review, supporting discussions with clinicians, technical assessment and communication of development progress to investors.
Transformation and Impact:
The collaboration translated observations from the testing session into further engineering development and evidence of progress for Paradox Medical:
Previously Unseen Challenges: Real-heart testing revealed delivery-system challenges that bench work had missed, improving the team’s understanding of device behaviour in heart anatomy.
Delivery System Optimisation: Paradox Medical subsequently optimised its delivery system in response to challenges observed during the more lifelike testing.
Evidence for Investors: Videos and fluoroscopy helped demonstrate progress. Paradox reported that the service supported a development milestone and further investment.
Shared Technical Understanding: The team and clinical collaborators could review the same procedure recordings, supporting a common understanding of the observations and further development needs.
Willie Costelloe, CEO, Paradox Medical stated that “The testing we conducted at MET represented a highly significant step towards the development of our cardiac implant, and represented the single biggest milestone to date.”
Billy Donovan, Business Development, MET Technology Gateway said “Seeing the Paradox Medical team turn findings from the testing session into a clear direction for further development shows the value of bringing industry and research expertise together. Through our collaboration with LifeTec, we’re giving companies access to realistic testing here in Galway, helping them answer important engineering questions and demonstrate their progress.”
Dr. Jamie Meehan, MET Technology Gateway Manager agreed that “This collaboration shows why realistic testing environments matter in device development. The observations helped Paradox Medical refine its delivery system, while the recordings supported technical review and discussions with investors. MET’s facilities and the LifeTec heart model made that work possible here in Galway.”
Future Collaboration and Knowledge Transfer
Paradox Medical can discuss its next R&D testing round with LifeTec and MET specialists.
- Future R&D Approach: Procedure recordings and discussions with clinicians can help the company review challenges and shape subsequent testing with LifeTec and MET.
- Innovation Roadmap: Paradox Medical expressed interest in future fluoroscopy, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and verification and validation work for its cardiovascular device and delivery system.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between Paradox Medical, MET Technology Gateway and LifeTec Group helped uncover delivery-system challenges that bench testing had not revealed. Paradox used those findings to guide optimisation, while the procedure videos and fluoroscopy supported technical communication and investor engagement. Access to MET’s imaging suite and specialist expertise provided a practical setting for clinically relevant testing and a basis for planning further development work with MET and LifeTec.
To find out more about MET Technology Gateway, check out their website or follow them on LinkedIn.
