Israeli company Medinol, through its subsidiary Microtech, has announced the first implantations in the U.S. of its innovative heart-pressure sensor designed to monitor atrial pressure in patients with heart failure. The initial U.S. implantations took place on May 16, 2025, at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, performed by Dr. Koji Takeda, Surgical Director for Adult Heart Transplant at the center.
This tiny microsensor is notable for its extremely small size and entirely passive design, meaning it contains no electronics or wires. It operates by receiving and transmitting signals via ultrasound, allowing non-invasive, real-time monitoring of pressure in the heart’s upper chambers (atria). This capability is especially valuable for patients with heart failure and those who have left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) or have undergone heart transplants. The sensor can be implanted quickly (about five minutes) with minimal modification to existing LVAD implantation procedures.
The device has already been implanted in five patients in Israel, and the U.S. implantations join these as part of a joint first-in-human (FIH) clinical study expected to enroll about 15 patients total in both countries. Early results from the study show strong promise, with clinicians able to accurately, repeatedly, and easily measure left and right-sided cardiac pressures over time. This allows doctors to move beyond symptom-based treatment to parameter-based therapy, optimizing patient care.
Medinol’s CEO, Dr. Yoram Richter, highlighted the broader potential of this technology, noting that the sensors can be integrated into existing medical implants to create “smart devices” capable of gathering physiological data and performing multiple functions. This advancement could transform patient monitoring and treatment not only for heart failure but also for other conditions such as glaucoma, hydrocephalus, portal hypertension, and more. The technology aims to improve access to healthcare by enabling patients to provide highly accurate pressure readings directly to their doctors remotely, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.
In summary, the Israeli-developed Microtech heart-pressure sensor represents a cutting-edge advancement in cardiac care, with its first U.S. implantations marking a significant milestone in ongoing clinical trials that could lead to improved management and outcomes for heart failure patients worldwide.
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