Conjoining HLM with ECLS

The project I³-Assist concentrates on developing a highly integrated modular system of life-supporting functional units. This system can be used as a heart-lung-machine (HLM), but also as an extracorporeal life assist (ECLA). Furthermore, the system can be adapted  to the individual treatment needs of the patient.

This modular configurable system is specifically adaptable to the requirements of the patient. Due to the high degree of individualization, it can be adjusted to humans of all age and weight classes. Consequently, the system  provides different treatment options, giving the possibility to deal with older and youngest patients, affected by various  concomitant diseases.

Owing to this new technology, a direct and seamless change between HLM and ECLS as well as in reverse is possible. Without renewing the entire extracorporeal bypass, which is the common procedure these days, I³-Assist is able to adapt to the changing needs during the treatment of a patient. Thereby, the treatment costs and the traumatization of the patient are reduced.

I³-Assist system is compactly designed, so it can be carried around with the patient, not only in case of a transport inside the hospital, but also in between different hospitals without causing problems. The ambition of this project aim described above is to develop a product for clinical use, which is more efficient, more reliable, more economical and more patient-friendly, and therefore abrogating the limitations of the ECMO market.