Enhancing Heart Valve System Understanding through Advanced Clinical Simulation
Global leader in medical technology
Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology based in Galway, partnered with the MET Technology Gateway at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and LifeTec Group to deepen their understanding of new cardiac systems. By utilising MET’s high-fidelity clinical imaging and benchtop modelling, Medtronic’s R&D team successfully identified critical performance differences between standard benchtop models and complex anatomical structures, accelerating their internal R&D insights and inspiring multi-departmental innovation.
For the R&D team at Medtronic, a primary hurdle in new product introduction is the “translational gap”, the difference between how a device performs in a simplified lab setting versus a complex biological environment.
Anatomically realistic environment
MET provided a comprehensive “clinical suite” experience that allowed Medtronic to test their systems in a highly controlled yet anatomically realistic environment.
- Advanced Imaging Infrastructure: Medtronic utilised MET’s Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound machines to visualise device behaviour in real-time.
- Procedural Guidance: Beyond providing hardware, the MET team offered expert technical guidance on imaging techniques, ensuring the Medtronic team could focus on system performance.
- Knowledge Transfer: MET facilitated a seamless transfer of high-quality images and video data, providing a permanent reference for Medtronic’s internal review and upskilling.
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Global leader
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Comprehensive clinical suite
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Anatomically realistic environment
“The lab, ultrasound, and fluoro machines, along with the guidance provided, were of most benefit. The images and videos shared will be very helpful for us, and the experience has inspired other departments to use this model for different studies.”
Roger Rebordosa, R&D Engineer II, Medtronic
Medtronic & MET Technology Gateway partnership
The collaboration has moved the needle for Medtronic’s R&D culture in several key areas:
Translational Insight: The project helped the team clearly define the performance delta between benchtop models and animal heart anatomy, leading to more robust system designs.
Efficiency in Discovery: The ease of access to MET’s/ATU’s cutting-edge research excellence expertise and resources (rated 5/5) allowed for a rapid, “experiential” R&D process rather than a purely theoretical one.
Cross-Departmental Inspiration: The success of this model has inspired other departments within Medtronic to adopt similar simulation-based studies for diverse R&D purposes.
Unforeseen Potential: The engagement revealed new possibilities for future studies using this specific model, exceeding the initial project scope and opening doors for long-term iterative testing.
By bridging the gap between the laboratory and the operating theatre, MET Technology Gateway continues to act as a catalyst for Galway’s MedTech hub, ensuring that industry leaders like Medtronic can validate life-saving innovations with unprecedented clarity.