Nation triumphs as HeartGate secures top spot in national business plan contest
In a groundbreaking development, the HeartGate system, an innovative minimally invasive approach for heart pump implantation, has been awarded first place at the Science4Life Venture Cup 2025. This annual startup competition in the life sciences in Germany, organised by the non-profit initiative Science4Life e.V., and supported by the Hessian state government and the company Sanofi, recognises promising innovations in the field.
The HeartGate system, developed by an interdisciplinary team of doctors and engineers from the Clinic for Cardiac and Vascular Surgery at the University Hospital Freiburg, offers a novel solution to the complex procedure of implanting heart pumps, such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Traditionally, LVAD implantation requires open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine to take over the function of the heart and lungs during the procedure. However, the HeartGate technique aims to implant the pump by smaller incisions and without stopping the heart or using cardiopulmonary bypass.
This minimally invasive approach has significant benefits for patients. By avoiding the use of a heart-lung machine, the HeartGate system reduces the risks associated with the machine, including inflammation, clotting problems, and longer hospital stays. The procedure using the HeartGate system results in shorter operating times for patients, potentially leading to faster recovery.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Bothe, Senior Physician of the Clinic for Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, stated that the HeartGate system could provide optimal care for people with severe heart failure. He also mentioned that the award confirms the medical, social, and economic relevance of the HeartGate system.
The HeartGate system consists of a novel implantation set, including a punch and a seal, enabling the use of a heart pump without a heart-lung machine. The procedure works by creating a hole in the heart wall through which the pump is inserted, and sealing the hole to prevent blood loss.
Heart pumps are mechanical devices used to support failing hearts and ensure blood supply to vital organs. More than six million people worldwide are affected by severe heart failure, for which a heart pump (LVAD) can be life-saving. The HeartGate system aims to reduce complications, increase safety, and make the heart pump implantation procedure possible for patients who could not be operated on for health reasons in the past.
Dr. Florian Meißner and Manuela Schön, key members of the HeartGate team, were presented with the award at the Science4Life Venture Cup 2025 ceremony, which took place in July and came with a prize money of 25,000 euros. This recognition underscores the potential of the HeartGate system to revolutionise the field of mechanical heart support technologies and their implantation procedures.
With the HeartGate system, the future of heart pump implantation looks promising, offering hope for those battling severe heart failure. As research and development continue, we can expect to see more advancements in this field, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
The HeartGate system, a significant innovation in the field of medical-conditions such as severe heart failure, has been developed by an interdisciplinary team of doctors and engineers. This minimally invasive approach to heart pump implantation, known as the HeartGate system, is expected to revolutionize the health-and-wellness sector, particularly in the management of heart-related issues.
