Hyderabad-based pediatric cardiologist Dr. Nageswara Rao Koneti has been granted a United States patent for his innovative heart device, the KONAR-MF Occluder. This multi-functional device is designed to address a range of cardiac septal defects, offering a cost-effective solution particularly beneficial for patients in developing countries. [1]
The KONAR-MF Occluder stands out for its versatility, capable of treating various heart conditions such as ventricular septal defects (VSDs), post-surgical leaks, and arteriovenous fistulas. Unlike traditional occluders that are often limited to specific defect types, this device adapts dynamically to the shape and flow profile of each defect, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes.
Manufactured by Lifetech Scientific, the device is constructed from nitinol, a biocompatible nickel-titanium alloy known for its flexibility and durability. Its double umbrella disc design allows for effective closure of heart defects in both children and adults. The device has already received patents in India, Europe, Euro-African nations, and South Korea, and has been CE marked since 2018.
One of the most compelling aspects of the KONAR-MF Occluder is its affordability. In India, the device is priced at approximately ₹50,000, significantly lower than the ₹1.2 lakh in Pakistan and ₹2.5–6 lakhs in other parts of Asia and Europe. This cost-effectiveness aligns with Dr. Koneti's vision of making advanced cardiac care accessible to a broader population.
The device's efficacy is supported by over 20 peer-reviewed studies, and it has been implanted in more than 10,000 patients across 90 countries. These figures underscore its global acceptance and the trust it has garnered within the medical community. A multicenter study by Tanidir et al. (2020) confirmed the device’s applicability across both perimembranous and muscular VSDs, reinforcing its versatility. [2]
With the recent US patent, the KONAR-MF Occluder is poised for further validation through the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process. Dr. Koneti expressed optimism about conducting clinical trials in the US, noting that the device has already been implanted in 10–15 patients there on compassionate grounds.
Dr. Koneti, who heads the Cardiology Division at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute in Hyderabad, emphasized that the US patent not only recognizes the device's innovation but also validates that Indian-developed medical technologies can meet global standards.
The KONAR-MF Occluder's journey from conception to international recognition exemplifies the potential of indigenous innovation in addressing global health challenges. As it moves towards FDA approval, the device holds promise for transforming cardiac care, particularly in resource-limited settings where affordability and adaptability are crucial.
References:
1. Elafifi, M., et al. (2025). Early experience with KONAR-MF Occluder in resource-limited settings. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 13:1528490.
2)=. Tanidir, I. C., et al. (2020). Use of KONAR-MF device for perimembranous and muscular ventricular septal defect closures: A multicenter Turkish experience. Anatolian Journal of Cardiology, 24(6), 416–423. doi:10.14744/AnatolJCardiol.2020.23415
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)