Dr. Nick Von Bergen’s journey of bringing an idea for new technology to the patient’s bedside and the support of UW Health’s Isthmus Project was recently highlighted by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association.  

What began as frustration with existing cardiac monitoring technology became an opportunity to change the standard of care.

Nicholas Von Bergen, MD, a professor in the Department of Pediatrics Cardiology division at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and a pediatric electrophysiologist at UW Health, developed the AtriAmp device after recognizing the need for better post-surgical heart rhythm monitoring in pediatric patients. 

“I was very frustrated because we had inadequate information for an accurate rhythm diagnosis in our sickest patients. So, I invented AtriAmp,” said Von Bergen. 

About the size as vehicle key fob, the AtriAmp device is placed on top of the patient’s chest after surgery and connects to temporary sensor wires attached to the heart during the surgery. The device receives signals from the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) and connects to existing bedside monitors to provide a high-quality, real-time, atrial electrogram, which gives clinicians more information about the strength and condition of a patient’s heart rhythms.

That device laid the foundation for Atrility Medical, a company founded to advance the technology and explore future applications in cardiac monitoring. As the company grew, Atrility partnered with the Isthmus Project for commercialization guidance, strategic connections and ultimately, investment support. 

Working closely with the Isthmus Project, Atrility refined its commercialization strategy, explored research opportunities, refined its go-to-market strategy, and connected with expertise and resources across UW and UW Health. The support helped Atrility move from a clinician-developed invention to a company positioned for growth and impact nationwide. 

For Elizabeth Hagerman, PhD, Chief Innovation Officer at UW Health and executive director of the Isthmus Project, Atrility reflects the power of clinician-led innovation and the importance of supporting promising ideas beyond the invention stage. 

“Seeing the journey these inventions have made, from just a ‘what-if’ to real patient impact at hospitals across the country is impressive,” said Hagerman. “It shows that we have all the pieces in place right here at UW to take these ideas from bench to bedside.” 

Read the full WMAA article, “School’s Innovation Pipeline Leads to Better Health,” to learn more about Atrility Medical and other innovations emerging from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.