Thoratec touts less-invasive HeartMate 3 implantation

Thoratec (NSDQ:THOR) yesterday revealed the 1st implantation of its next-generation HeartMate 3 implantable heart pump using a mini-thoracotomy approach. The implantation, part of a European trial designed to examine less-invasive procedures such as hemi-sternotomy and left thoracotomy, was the 1st of a planned 10 surgeries, Pleasanton, Calif.-based Thoratec said. “This achievement marks the latest step in our progress with HeartMate 3, and will help build important clinical experience as we validate the surgical versatility of this exciting new technology,” president & CEO Keith Grossman said in prepared remarks. The 1st mini-thoracotomy was performed by Drs. Ivan Netuka and Jan Schmitto at Prague’s Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Thoratec said. “The pump design ensured elegant placement in a petite 70-year-old female with body surface area of 1.65 m2, and the patient has been discharged from the hospital in a normal post-operative manner. This demonstrates that HeartMate 3 can accommodate choice in surgical placement. We look forward to confirming an encouraging initial experience in this ongoing trial,” Netuka said. “The ease of implant, combined with potential for improved clinical outcomes with HeartMate 3, provide for a very attractive next generation device capable of treating a wide range of patients,” Schmitto added. In December 2014 Thoratec closed enrollment in a 50-patient clinical trial of it...
Source: Mass Device - Category: Medical Equipment Authors: Tags: Cardiac Assist Devices Clinical Trials Thoratec Corp. Source Type: news