Dr. Nageswara Rao Koneti, a pediatric cardiologist based in Hyderabad, has been granted a U.S. patent for his innovative heart device, the KONAR-MF occluder. This milestone adds to the device’s growing list of global recognitions, with prior approvals in India, Europe, South Korea, and parts of Africa. Developed indigenously, the KONAR-MF device is used to close holes or defects in the heart, particularly in children born with congenital heart diseases.
What sets the KONAR-MF apart from conventional occluders is its versatility. Traditional heart defect occluders are typically designed for a single type of defect. In contrast, the KONAR-MF can adapt to and treat a broad spectrum of heart abnormalities, including ventricular septal defects (VSDs), post-surgical leaks, and even rare conditions like arteriovenous fistulas, according to Rainbow Children’s Heart Institute, where Dr. Rao heads the Pediatric Cardiology Division.
The device’s dynamic adaptability allows it to conform to varying heart structures and blood flow patterns, significantly reducing the risk of complications and enhancing patient outcomes. Manufactured by Lifetech Scientific, the KONAR-MF is now being used in over 30 countries and is supported by more than 20 international clinical studies.
Affordability is a key component of Dr. Rao’s vision. While the device costs only ₹50,000 in India, its price soars to several lakhs in parts of Europe and over ₹1.2 lakh in Pakistan. This pricing strategy, Dr. Rao emphasizes, reflects his commitment to healthcare equity. “Innovation should not be limited by affordability. This is not just about science, it’s about access,” he says.
With the U.S. patent now secured, the KONAR-MF is a step closer to gaining FDA approval, expanding its reach even further. This achievement reaffirms that homegrown Indian innovations can meet and even surpass global standards in medical technology, offering world-class care while remaining accessible to those who need it most.