03 Jun Company with device to better monitor heart surgery wins 2021 Biz Plan Contest
AtriAmp
A UW-Madison spinoff company that has developed a device to better monitor the heart during surgery, thus saving lives and cost, is the grand prize winner of the 18th annual Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest.
Atrility Medical, which was launched by a pediatric heart surgeon who noticed recurring issues in some operations, won with its plan for bringing AtriAmp to market.
The device facilitates more efficient monitoring and treatment of atrial arrhythmia, which is a rhythm disruption that can be difficult to pick up with current equipment. Undetected, the condition can cause complications, extra costs and even death.
Dr. Nick Von Bergen presented for the company, which includes a larger team of scientists and managers. AtriAmp has been cleared for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Like 11 other “Diligent Dozen” finalists, Von Bergen presented June 2 to judges and others during a prelude to the Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference.
“This company is an excellent example of a practitioner noting a problem, devising a solution, and working with others within and outside academia to make it as practical and efficient as possible,” said Tom Still, president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. “It’s really ‘tech transfer’ at its finest.”
Independent judges recruited by the Tech Council heard pitches from 11 other finalists in four categories: Advanced Manufacturing, Business Services, Information Technology and Life Sciences. Atrility Medical won the Life Sciences category.