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James Thompson, interim director of TVC, helped connect Kim, Tandar, and Patel together
are non-invasive. These frequent visits will likely allow cardiologists to catch the beginning stages of restenosis or a clot developing, possibly saving lives, but almost certainly leading to better outcomes. The next step for the device is for it to undergo experiments in live pigs. After this, the team will begin raising funds for clinical trials.
electrical resonance in the stent within the patient’s affected artery. The wand measures changes in resonance frequency. Different resonant frequencies are associated with different levels of pressure buildup within the stent. Slower electrically-resonating stents are associated with higher pressure within the stent, indicating a likely buildup of plaque or a clot, while more rapidly vibrating stents are associated with less pressure, indicating more free-flowing arteries. This method of reading pressure requires no batteries or electronics, making it durable and safe for patients. It should also allow for more routine visits that
Tandar believes that the success of both the first meeting of the group as well as their subsequent interactions comes from the team’s shared desire to solve this problem together regardless of recognition. “The more you work together, the better outcomes you will get,” he explains. “We’re far more interested in achieving better outcomes for our patients than getting credit.” Adding to this, Patel explains, “These multidisciplinary team approaches can work. The key parts are realizing what you don’t know and letting others with expertise in those areas do their part, and realizing that by yourself this can’t be done.”
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