Energy Life Systems Corp. obtains a grant from the National Institute of Health to develop a...

COSTA MESA, Calif.--(HealthWire)--Sept. 3, 1996--Energy Life Systems Corp. has received a grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to develop a proprietary fiberoptic device and method for monitoring the viability of heart tissue.

This grant was made under the Small Business

Recent developments have led to the recognition of the previously unknown conditions of "stunning" and "hibernation" of the myocardium (heart muscle). These conditions can be mistaken for total infarction (death) of that muscle. Because viable myocardium could be salvaged, it is important to distinguish between viable and infarcted myocardium.

"Viability information is key when deciding to treat the patient interventionally, surgically or medically. The ability to assess myocardial viability would be very useful in guiding treatment strategy and predicting outcome in many clinical situations," said N. Charle Morcos, M.D., Ph.D. associate professor and director of Cardiology Basic Science Research at the University of California.

The product concept is a patented fiberoptic catheter and minimally invasive test method for direct measurement of the viability of the non-contracting segments of the heart during the time of cardiac catheterization.

"This technology could represent a very significant advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. The company's viability monitoring catheter has the potential to become a standard diagnostic product for treatment selection and decision making," said Hany Hussein, Ph.D. president of Energy Life Systems.

The estimated worldwide market for this product could exceed 650 million dollars annually, and the savings to the health care system could exceed 800 million dollars per year.

Energy Life Systems is a privately-held company that is focused on the development and manufacturing of novel fiberoptic and laser products for the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.

CONTACT: Energy Life Systems Corp., Costa Mesa

Hany Hussein, 714/435-0340

Fax: 714/435-0414