Vektor Medical has raised $16m in Series A financing to expand its artificial intelligence (AI)-based computational electrocardiogram (ECG) mapping system, vMap.
The Series A financing round was led by Solas BioVentures and TVM Capital Life Science. Vektor said the funding will be used to drive additional clinical studies.
The non-invasive system utilises electrocardiogram (ECG) data to identify potential arrhythmia sources known as “hot spots” throughout the heart. These hotspots are linked with both stable and unstable arrhythmias. By employing AI and advanced computational modelling techniques, the system can generate detailed 2D and 3D maps of these potential arrhythmia sources, providing actionable insights for targeted treatment strategies. The device received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2021.
The 510(k) clearance was based on results from the VMAP clinical study, which found that regional, segmental, and spatial accuracy were 96.9%, 97.3%, and 15mm respectively, in 225 patients. The median mapping time by the technology was 0.8 minutes.
Arrhythmia encompasses abnormal heart rhythms, such as tachycardia, when the heart beats too fast, or atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat. According to a report on GlobalData’s Intelligence Center, the atrial fibrillation market size will be worth $25.73bn in 2032, growing from $20.85bn in 2022 globally.
Biosense Webster, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, last week reported data from two clinical trials demonstrating that 80% of patients did not experience atrial arrhythmia recurrence in one month with the use of its Varipulse platform. The platform is made up of an integrated variable-loop multielectrode catheter, generator, and a 3D cardiac mapping system – Carto 3 system Varipulse service pack software.
In the announcement accompanying the financing round, TVM Capital Life Science managing partner Luc Marangere said: “vMap has been embraced by EPs focused on excellence. With increased resources, Vektor will scale adoption across the US and Europe. Patients and healthcare providers deserve better and Vektor is ushering in that transition. We’re thrilled to invest and partner with Vektor to drive this important healthcare transformation.”
