November 18, 2004; Huntsville, Alabama, USA, CFD Research Corporation (“CFDRC”) is pleased to announce the successful market release of Spire Biomedical’s Altaâ„¢ LR, Long Term Hemodialysis Catheter. This novel and fixed tip hemodialysis catheter is a significant improvement over other catheters and combines ease of insertion with very low recirculation, delivering the ultimate high efficiency dialysis.
The catheter was initially designed by CFDRC under a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH). CFDRC patented the design and granted exclusive license to Spire, its commercialization partner. Spire completed the manufacturing and testing of the product, obtained FDA approval and has received favorable responses from leading nephrologists and vascular surgeons from around the country.
“We are proud of the ingenuity of our engineers, and are gratified by the successful transition of an engineering improvement into a commercial product which will ease the pain of many dialysis patients”, said Dr. Ashok Singhal, President and CEO of CFDRC.
The catheter has been designed and optimized with extensive use of advanced computer simulations (computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and coupled fluid-structural interactions) and a complimentary series of experimental investigations. As a result, the catheter provides outstanding performance, including the following characteristics:
- Uniquely engineered tip significantly reduces red blood cell damage, and is easier to insert into the patient
- Reduces blood clotting and potential side effects
- Improved functionality by reductions in occlusion potential, recirculation, and arterial suction pressure.
- Maximum arterial blood flow when the catheter tip contacts the blood vessel side wall
PJ. Anand, Vice President & General Manager, of Spire’s product division said, “We are excited about the partnership with CFRDC. Use of advanced simulations represents a new paradigm in designing innovative products. ALTAâ„¢ LR represents Spire’s commitment to bring to patients and clinician products that enhance therapy”
Altaâ„¢ LR was launched by Spire at the American Society of Nephrology Annual Conference held October 27-31, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. S. Krishnamoorthy (one of the developers of the catheter) represented CFDRC at this milestone event.
About CFD Research Corporation
CFDRC is the Technology leader in engineering simulations and innovative designs, working with diverse global businesses, since 1987. CFDRC offers unique capabilities for Multiphysics, Multiscale, Coupled simulations of fluid, thermal, chemical, biological, electrical, and mechanical phenomena for real world applications. This enables better understanding, concepts, decisions, designs, products and systems. CFDRC leverages simulation technologies to develop innovative designs and focused solutions for customers; government and industrial, and has patented several combustion, propulsion and biomedical devices.
Since its inception, CFDRC has grown steadily with highly qualified staff (over 50% Ph.D.s) and has developed strong collaborations and partnerships. CFDRC is a U.S. Small Business, with secured facilities in Huntsville, Alabama. For more information: Visit www.cfdrc.com, or contact:
CFDRC, (256) 726-4841
Altaâ„¢ is a trademark of Spire Biomedical, Inc..
