In a significant advancement for cardiac healthcare, an innovative medical device developed by Hyderabad-based pediatric cardiologist Dr. Nageswara Rao Koneti has been granted a United States patent. The invention, named the **KONAR-MF Occluder**, is designed to treat a wide range of congenital and acquired heart defects, making it a potential game-changer in cardiology worldwide.
Dr. Koneti, who leads the Cardiology Division at Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute in Hyderabad, spent over six years developing the KONAR-MF (Multi-Functional) Occluder. The device is engineered to close septal defects—abnormal openings in the heart—found in both children and adults.
At the heart of this innovation lies a **double umbrella disc structure** crafted from **nitinol**, a nickel-titanium alloy known for its flexibility and biocompatibility. The device is designed to be stretchable up to 15 mm, enabling it to adapt to varying defect sizes and shapes during minimally invasive procedures.
“This device can treat multiple complex cardiac conditions, including ventricular septal defects (VSDs), coronary arteriovenous fistulas, and paravalvular leaks,” said Dr. Koneti.
The KONAR-MF Occluder has already been recognized internationally. It holds patents in India, Europe (under the European Commission), several Euro-African countries, and South Korea. The addition of a U.S. patent not only underscores the global relevance of the device but also opens the door for broader clinical application and commercialization in North America.
Cardiologists often face challenges when dealing with complex septal defects due to the varying anatomical presentations and the need for precision closure to avoid complications. The KONAR-MF Occluder’s flexible and adaptive design seeks to address these clinical challenges by offering a reliable, minimally invasive solution.
“This is not just a win for me personally but a step forward for Indian medical innovation,” Dr. Koneti stated. “Our goal was to create a single device that could serve multiple purposes in cardiology, especially in regions where access to advanced medical infrastructure is limited.”
The device has already shown promising results in clinical trials, and further studies are being planned to evaluate long-term outcomes and expand its indications. With the U.S. patent secured, Dr. Koneti and his team hope to collaborate with global manufacturers and healthcare providers to bring this device into widespread use.
As congenital heart disease remains one of the most common birth defects globally, innovations like the KONAR-MF Occluder offer hope for safer, more effective treatments—especially in resource-limited settings. The global cardiology community will be watching closely as this device begins its journey into mainstream cardiac care.