MedtechZA Trailblazers: Strait Access Technologies
On December 3, 2017, Professor Peter Zilla, head of the Christiaan Barnard Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Cape Town, announced a breakthrough in rheumatic heart disease treatment: a cheap, mass-produced plastic heart valve, invented and made in Cape Town.
According to the reports, instead of open-heart surgery requiring expensive machinery, specialized hospitals, and surgeons, the valve can be inserted at a rural hospital by a general surgeon through a small incision. Professor Peter Zilla, who led the team that developed the valve and the insertion technique, explained that a self-homing hollow balloon carries the valve into the heart. He added that the heart continues to beat during the implantation of the valve, without interrupting blood flow to the brain and other organs. This device is set to save lives of millions of young people.
The company that makes the valves is UCT medtech startup Strait Access Technologies, part of the University of Cape Town's portfolio companies. Originally founded as Percutaneous Technologies CC in 2008 and later converted to a Pty Ltd company, Strait Access Technologies was founded by Profs. Peter Zilla, David Williams, and Deon Bezuidenhout. Their mission is to develop heart valve therapies tailored to the challenges of the third world.
Strait Access Technologies has also garnered international recognition by winning two global awards for the technology at the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery's annual congress in Austria.
Strait Access Technologies is addressing a serious global health issue with their innovative technology. Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a severe condition affecting the heart valves. It occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks heart tissue following a strep throat or scarlet fever infection. This inflammation can damage the heart valves, leading to various complications, including heart failure.
RHD is most common in children and young adults, and it is more prevalent in low-income countries. However, it can occur anywhere in the world. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.
Strait Access technologies has some notable funders including Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and funding from Bidvest. Strait Access technologies has big plans in the MedTech space and is one of the companies to watch.
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