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    Posted by Shawn LI, Oct 19, 2006
    AMBLER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bioconnect Systems will present First-in-Man data for its Optiflow vascular connector during the In3 conference in Boston on October 19. Bioconnects minimally invasive technology enables surgeons to create precisely controlled anastomoses throughout the human body.

    According to David Deaton, MD, FACS Associate Professor of Surgery & Chief, Endovascular Surgery, Georgetown Hospital, The ability to quickly create a precise anastomosis with a defined cross sectional area gives the surgeon unprecedented control over flow characteristics. Similar to a drug eluting stents ability to prevent intimal hyperplasia, the Optiflow offers control over local healing, addressing one of the major limitations inherent to hand-sewn anastomoses.

    Bioconnects initial product, the Optiflow AV, addresses the need for improved vascular access in about 1.9 million worldwide patients suffering from end stage renal disease (ESRD). The Optiflow enables surgeons to create permanent access in dialysis patients by connecting the artery to the vein (AV fistula) or improving the performance of traditional synthetic grafts.

    Vascular access is considered the Achilles Heel of hemodialysis, contributing significantly to high mortality rates of 68% at five years. Approximately one-third of access sites fail within the first year despite numerous interventions.

    Series A financing of $7 million is being pursued to fund the Company through clinical trials, regulatory approval, and product launch. More information including an on-line demonstration is available at http://www.bioconnectsystems.com/.

    Contacts
    Bioconnect Systems
    Adam Dakin, President & CEO, 215-646-6830
    adakin@bioconnectsystems.com
    http://www.bioconnectsystems.com/

    Published 19 October 2006 - 0 comments (View/Post Comments)    Bookmark and Share
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    Posted by Shawn LI, May 24, 2006
    Medical device start-up Bioconnect Systems Inc. has raised an undisclosed seed round of financing as it gears up to raise a $6 million Series A, the company told VentureWire.

    Adam Dakin, chief executive of Bioconnect, said that MentorTech Ventures, Robin Hood Ventures and angel investors provided the financing in the form of a convertible note.

    Dakin declined to give the value for the seed round.

    The seed money will tide the company over until it raises the Series A. Dakin said that it plans to kick off fundraising for that round in early June.

    Based in Ambler, Pa., Bioconnect launched with the assets of an undisclosed defunct device company working on coronary and heart bypass technology. Launching the new company in April, Dakin said that the company will use the technology, although for a different purpose: vascular access in dialysis patients.

    Dakin said that the company is keeping most of the details of its technology under wraps.

    Along with the IP that Bioconnect acquired in its launch, Dakin said that the company obtained considerable clinical research for the device. "We like to think of ourselves as a Series C company raising a Series A," he said. "We are actually very far along - we have proof-of-concept in man, we have four issued patents."

    Dakin said that he hopes that Bioconnect's device ultimately will receive 510(k) clearance by the Food and Drug Administration, although the company has not set a firm deadline for submitting its request to the regulators. "That's not yet determined," he said.

    Dakin was a former CEO of vascular closure device maker X-Site Medical LLC.

    Reach Bioconnect at 215-646-6830
    http://www.bioconnectsystems.com/
    Published 24 May 2006 - 0 comments (View/Post Comments)    Bookmark and Share