PROBLEM
Cardiopulmonary bypass surgery is a time consuming operation. Every additional minute of surgery decreases a patient’s chance of survival.

PROCESS
PCDworks collaborated with an industrial design firm in Houston to help NovoSci to simplify the cardiopulmonary bypass procedure by organizing pumps and tubes into a compact structure. The team further improved speed and patient safety by inventing a Vacuum Assisted Venous Return (VAVR) device which enhanced venous flow and reduced the size of the necessary line. PCDworks created designs, developed prototypes, and assisted NovoSci in preparing a unit that was ready to manufacture.

RESULT
A cardiac bypass system that reduces the need for blood products, shortens surgery times, and offers greater fluid management options for the clinical team – all of which is proven to decrease morbidity. This potentially life-saving device is currently produced and sold by NovoSci, Inc.