2021 AWARD RECIPIENTS
PCR INNOVATORS DAY
View a replay of the Jon DeHaan Foundation Award Ceremony, during which David Kuraguntla from Alio and Dr. Domenico D’Amario each receive the Foundation's Award for Innovation in Cardiology for their innovative developments in cardiovascular medicine.
TCT Shark Tank
Lungpacer Medical
Aquapass
November 2021 – For the fifth year in a row, the Jon DeHaan Foundation was pleased to partner with the TCT Shark Tank Innovation Competition. The Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) conference took place in November in Orlando.
TCT announced Lungpacer Medical as the winner of this prestigious event. Lungpacer is a clinical stage medical device company pioneering a diaphragm pacing therapy system for critically ill patients who require mechanical ventilation. Their novel therapeutic solution, AeroPace™ is designed to activate and exercise the diaphragm. The AeroPace systems uses a temporary, minimally invasive, trans vascular nerve stimulation catheter that also functions as a traditional central venous catheter. It is designed to build diaphragm strength and empower natural, independent breathing. The device is recognized as an FDA Breakthrough Technology and is approved under Emergency Use Authorization for use to support mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. Lungpacer is currently conducting a pivotal clinical study, the third in a series of studies necessary to gain FDA approval.
The Foundation was prepared to award Lungpacer with its $200,000 Award for Innovation in Cardiology. However, Doug Evans, President and CEO, had other things in mind. According to him, his company was so well funded that he wanted to pass the cash award to the second-place winner, Aquapass Medical.
Aquapass is developing the world’s first non-invasive, drug-free, fluid overload treatment system, delivering direct interstitial decongestion via the skin. This is a potential treatment option for millions of patients with heart failure, lymphedema, and chronic kidney disease.
“We are very moved by Lungpacer’s decision to ‘pay it forward’ by giving the $200,000 award to Aquapass,” said Robert Schwartz, MD, President of the Jon DeHaan Foundation. “It is a truly noble gesture and allows the funds to benefit as many patients as possible. The DeHaan Foundation remains committed to its primary mission of supporting cardiovascular disease and medical innovation and our partnership with CRF and TCT is an ideal collaboration to further this goal.”
Foundation members, Tom DeHaan and Dr. Robert Schwartz were honored to be able to sit and speak with Dr. Juan Granada of TCT and Doug Evans of Lungpacer. Click on the link to watch the video.