Swansea firm at the heart of HPC Wales

A Swansea-based heart technology business is one of a host of science-based firms which stands to benefit from the launch of the HPC Wales super computer project.
Calon Cardio-Technology Ltd is developing the next generation of implantable micro-pumps for the treatment of heart failure.
It is cutting edge work aimed at making heart assist pumps the routine method of treating heart failure.
“We are developing technology which tackles what is universally recognised as a global health problem of epidemic proportions,” said Calon Cardio-Technology managing director Kevin Fernquest.
“We are carrying out very innovative work here in Swansea and make extensive use of computer modelling and simulation in our research and development, which significantly reduces our product development phase and, consequently, the time to market.
“Obviously, access to the very best technology that high performance computing can offer is a major boost for a business like ours.
“I am sure other SMEs in Wales will also welcome the opportunity of accessing the HPC Wales project, which will undoubtedly be a boost for our economy.”
Mr Fernquest added: “Calon have assembled an exceptional team at the Institute of Life Science (ILS) based at Swansea University.
“We already have the benefits of close academic contact and first-rate facilities that the ILS offers.
“The HPC project will be another huge helping hand as we seek to deliver world-leading technology to tackle one of the biggest health issues facing us today.”
Calon’s product is a miniature pump that is implanted directly into the failing heart on a long term basis to boost its output. The pump is driven by an embedded electric motor which is powered by a compact battery pack worn by the user.
In advanced heart failure patients, fitment of the pump halts the progress of the disease and restores quality of life.
In some cases and in earlier stages of heart failure the patient may recover completely and the device can be subsequently removed.
The improved quality of life and the chance of a complete recovery is something that is not possible with medical therapy. The limited availability of donor hearts means only a tiny fraction of sufferers are able to receive a transplant.
Calon have a clearly defined product pipeline comprising of three pump designs.
The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, no one pump design is suitable for all patient types as later stages of heart failure require a pump with a greater size and throughput than one for earlier stages. Also, other medical factors can rule out some pump types for significant patient populations, for example, valve complications rule out all pumps that reside across the aortic valve. Secondly, having three designs obviously reduces risks.
The goal for Calon is to offer to a complete solution for the treatment of all patient types at all stages of heart failure, thus enabling the highest possible market penetration.
The key differentiating features of the Calon technology are: reduced device size allowing fitment via minimally invasive surgical procedures; and radically reduced device cost approximately half the cost of today’s alternatives (today’s pumps cost an estimated £42,000).
In the UK alone the number of people suffering from various stages of heart failure is approximately 650,000, of which approximately 180,000 cases of advanced heart failure are diagnosed each year, with 60,000 suffering from end-stage heart failure and a further fifth of these (12,000) are under the age of 65.
This last group of patients are categorised as the ‘very sick and young’ and are the initial target market for Calon
The above figures are only the tip of the iceberg.
Calon’s technology opens up an even greater potential market for the treatment of earlier stages of heart failure and preventative therapy.
The Calon team is led by medical director Professor Steve Westaby, one of the world’s leading heart surgeons and a global authority on blood pumps and their fitment.
The company chairman is Professor Marc Clement, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales and Director of the Institute of Life Science at Swansea University. He has had widespread success in the development of medical devices through several commercial ventures.
Mr Fernquest added: “One of the key factors for is the speed the super computing process will be able to inject into our work.
“Obviously, with a product like ours, testing it in purely physical conditions is a very time consuming procedure therefore we use computer based simulations to predict potential design issues without having to perform the traditional route of design, manufacture prototypes, test and analyse.
“ In short, carrying out an interactive design and simulation phase at the very front end of the design process allows us to create a more efficient product design and test cycle at low cost.”

The Calon team, from left to right, Kevin Fernquest Managing Director, Alex O'Malley Design Manager, Graham Foster (front centre) Technical Director, and James Abbey, Company Secretary.

An artist's impression of the Calon Cardio technology at work.
For more about HPC Wales, see previous posts starting at -
http://sirgarblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-40m-super-computer-project-for.html

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