DermaEcho Medical Completes World's First Transcatheter Endomyocardial Hydrogel Implantation for Heart Failure Treatment at Xijing Hospital

Hangzhou, March 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Hangzhou Deke Medtech Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Deke Medtech") achieved the world's first clinical application in China of its independently developed innovative device for heart failure treatment—implantable alginate hydrogel (hereinafter referred to as "the hydrogel"). The procedure was performed by Professor Tao Ling’s team from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, to treat a high-risk heart failure patient. This isWorld's First CaseThe transcatheter implantation of hydrogels for heart failure treatment has set a new benchmark for innovation in interventional cardiology procedures and medical devices in China.

The procedure was independently performed by Professor Tao Ling’s team, with core team member Wang Bo、Guo Yanjie、Professor Zhu Cunjun collaborated with imaging experts, including Professor Meng Xin and Professor Liu Ying. Professor Randall Lee from the University of California, San Francisco, conducted real-time technical exchanges with Professor Tao Ling’s team via video conference.

Heart failure (HF), abbreviated as heart failure, is the terminal stage of various cardiovascular diseases and a major global health issue, with a 5-year mortality rate exceeding 50%. Patients experience persistent myocardial injury and left ventricular dilation, ultimately leading to cardiac death. Traditional treatment involves medication to alleviate symptoms, which has limited efficacy for end-stage patients. Existing non-pharmacological treatments include cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), and heart transplantation; however, these options are associated with high costs, surgical complexity, and donor shortage.

Deke Medtech’s pioneering transcatheter subendocardial implantation technique enables minimally invasive hydrogel delivery, thereby avoiding open-chest procedures and significantly reducing the risk of surgical complications. The implantable alginate hydrogel is a safe biomaterial with excellent biocompatibility. Leveraging tissue engineering principles, it improves myocardial function by injecting the hydrogel into the ventricular wall to modify left ventricular geometry, reduce myocardial wall stress, and enhance left ventricular systolic function without compromising diastolic function. By limiting or reversing left ventricular remodeling, this approach aims to improve the quality of life for heart failure patients and is expected to enhance long-term survival rates.

Professor Tao Ling stated postoperatively, “The transcatheter subendocardial implantation of hydrogel breaks from conventional heart failure treatment paradigms, offering a therapeutic option for patients with critical end-stage heart failure. Since the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Major Research and Development Program on Stem Cells, the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Xijing Hospital has collaborated with Deke Medtech on the research, development, and translation of the transcatheter subendocardial injection system and implantable alginate hydrogel. This partnership has achieved dual innovations in both the implantation pathway and the implant material. We look forward to the prompt initiation of large-scale clinical trials to benefit more patients.”

Dr. Shao Nan, founder of Deke Medtech, stated, “Through the close collaboration between the Deke team and medical experts, we have successfully achieved a groundbreaking ‘zero-to-one’ advancement in the field of heart failure treatment by applying transcatheter hydrogel implantation. Deke Medtech will continue to collaborate with experts worldwide to optimize treatment protocols, bringing new hope to patients with heart failure.”

Intraoperative Transcatheter Subendocardial Hydrogel Implantation

Group photo with Professor Tao Ling and other medical staff before the patient’s discharge