The
latest advancement in ventricular assist devices for
long-term support
of heart
failure patients.
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| HeartMate
XVE LVAS |
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As the first device approved for Destination Therapy, Thoratec’s HeartMate
represents a major breakthrough and exemplifies the Company’s technology
leadership in the treatment of end-stage heart failure patients.
The HeartMate has demonstrated its value as effective assist device therapy
for nearly a decade. In addition, the HeartMate is the only assist device
that does not require systemic anticoagulation. This is an enormous advantage
for these patients, who will be supported for years and may be inclined
to experience bleeding problems as a result of their condition.
We do not anticipate FDA approval of competitive devices for Destination
Therapy for at least several years. Yet, we have continued to make device
enhancements that will keep us ahead of the competition when it does arrive
in the market.
Now approved for Destination Therapy, the HeartMate XVE represents a major
advance in the technology, and recent data has demonstrated the positive
impact of the XVE in the elimination or dramatic reduction of serious, adverse
events.
Subsequent to its approval for Destination Therapy, we have continued to
implement improvements to the XVE, including a new inflow valve conduit,
a major step forward in the evolution of the device that we believe will
extend device life. Future areas of focus will include improvements to the
device’s bearings to enhance the durability of the pump. We are also
engineering changes to the device’s peripherals to enhance battery
life and overall performance.
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