The ReliantHeart HeartAssist 5®Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) has gained CE Mark approval in Europe for use in patients requiring ventricular support due to end stage heart failure. The HeartAssist 5® is approved for bridge to transplant (BTT) patients awaiting cardiac transplantation and for destination therapy (DT) patients who are not candidates for cardiac transplantation.
Background
The CE Mark for the HeartAssist 5® was previously granted to MicroMed Technology, Inc. and was first available for European distribution in 2009. Through completion of a court approved transaction, ReliantHeart, Inc. has become the successor-in-interest to the assets of MicroMed Technology, Inc., and will manufacture, sell and support the HeartAssist5® and its suite of VAD products and accessories.
An amendment to the earlier CE mark was granted October of 2012 to allow around the clock remote monitoring with the HeartAssist5® Conquest Controller™, a lightweight wearable controller designed to collect critical flow data. That data, as well as speed and power measurements, are transmitted to caregivers through the exclusive HeartAssist5® Remote Monitoring System. The HeartAssist5® is the only remotely monitored VAD in the world.
ReliantHeart competes in Europe with two Ventricular Assist Device companies: Thoratec with its Heartmate II device and HeartWare’s eponymous system. ReliantHeart’s press release suggests the company is keen to ensure readers know this is a market that’s on the up as it points out that competitor HeartWare saw strong third quarter results of a 140% increase over same period last year. Revenue from international markets, generated through the sale of 287 units, was $26.6 million, an increase of approximately 38% from $19.3 million in the third quarter of 2012.
ReliantHeart intends to enter the U.S. market through an Investigational Device Examption (IDE), which will allow the HeartAssist5® to be sold for use in a clinical trial approved by the FDA to collect safety and effectiveness data.
Source: Reliant Heart
