ITTN - Israel Tech Transfer Network :: Technology Opportunities

A Minimally Invasive, Laser-Based Therapeutic Approach

Category	Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Development Stage	In-vitro studies show that LLLI inhibits processes central to the pathogenesis of aneurysm
Patent Status	Patent Pending
Market Size	The worldwide AAA market is valued at $1-1.2B annually.

A Low Level Laser Irradiation (LLLI) addresses the need for improved therapy for AAA, a leading cause of death in the USA, accounting for more than 15,000 deaths every year.
The LLLI enhances thickening of the arterial wall, thus reducing the risk of aneurysm rupture.
As published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (38:779-786, 2006), in-vitro studies by Prof. Gertz’s group showed that LLLI stimulates smooth muscle cell proliferation, stimulates collagen synthesis, modulates the equilibrium between regulatory matrix remodeling enzymes, and inhibits pro-inflammatory IL-1-b gene expression.

A novel, minimally invasive procedure for arresting progression of AAA.
The laser irradiation therapy will be applied through a laparoscopic procedure.
The LLLI offers a new alternative for high risk patients, avoiding most complications of currently available treatments, and may shorten hospitalization time.

12-18 months animal study of small (80) and large (20) animals with AAA in-vivo model.
Development of the LI-LAP catheter for laparoscopic procedures
Clinical studies of the proposed procedure are planned for end of 2008

Every year, 250,000-300,000 patients are diagnosed with AAA in the US alone.
40,000 of these patients are treated with endovascular stenting or open AAA surgery.
The proposed procedure will offer a less invasive alternative to all surgical patients suffering from AAA, and will provide the sole alternative to high-risk patients.