A new therapeutic device from New Ventures BC 2009 Finalist Lungpacer Medical Inc. addresses five significant issues associated with the mechanical ventilation of critically ill patients. Conceived and developed by SFU professor Andy Hoffer, intravenously placed Lungpacer electrodes rhythmically activate the diaphragm. Pacing prevents diaphragm muscle-disuse atrophy, resulting in faster patient recovery, a shorter stay in intensive care, lower hospitalization costs and greater patient access to scarce mechanical ventilators during flu pandemics.
Lungpacer Medical Inc. was founded in May 2009 and is Hoffer’s third SFU spin-off company.