Pleural Dynamics develops the ACES device, a fully implantable shunt that uses breathing motion to automatically drain recurrent pleural effusions. This system continuously moves fluid from the pleural space to the peritoneal space for natural reabsorption, eliminating the need for external catheters or repeated drainage procedures. The ACES shunt offers patients continuous symptom relief and reduces the burden and cost associated with current effusion management therapies.
Funding
$6.3M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Patients with recurrent pleural effusions and refractory ascites experience debilitating symptoms and reduced quality of life due to the buildup of excess fluid in the chest or abdomen. Current treatment options, such as pleurodesis and indwelling pleural catheters, can be painful, burdensome, costly, and carry a high risk of infection.
Solution
Pleural Dynamics offers the ACES (Automatic Continuous Effusion Shunt), a fully implantable device designed for the continuous management of recurrent pleural effusions. The ACES device uses the motion of normal breathing to automatically move effusion fluid from the pleural space to the peritoneal space, where it is naturally reabsorbed by the body. This eliminates the need for external drainage catheters, frequent drainage procedures, and potentially reduces the risk of infection. The ACES device offers a minimally invasive treatment option that improves patient quality of life and reduces the burden of managing chronic fluid collections.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes physicians treating patients with recurrent pleural effusions, particularly pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons, as well as hospitals and healthcare providers looking for cost-effective solutions for managing chronic fluid collections.
Features
- Fully implantable system placed under the skin between the ribs
- Automatic and continuous drainage powered by normal breathing
- Pleural catheter placed in the pleural space and peritoneal catheter placed in the abdomen
- Designed to reduce effusion volume
- Intended to eliminate the need for external catheters and frequent drainage
- Minimally invasive procedure