US-based SynCardia Systems has announced the implantation of the 150th SynCardia temporary total artificial heart in 2013.
The 150th SynCardia temporary total artificial heart has been implanted on 26 November 2013. In 2012, a total of 125 SynCardia temporary total artificial hearts have been implanted.
SynCardia Systems said that the new record includes the first patient in the Gulf South Region, the first Nebraska and Florida patients, an Indiana patient who became the 1200th implant worldwide and the youngest patient, 16, ever to receive a SynCardia heart powered by the Freedom portable driver.
The Freedom portable driver allows patients to leave the hospital to live at home and their communities.
In 2013, the top 10 SynCardia certified centers averaged more than eight implants per center.
Leading centers include EJK Duisburg in Germany, La Pitie-Salpetriere in France, Ege University in Turkey, and seven SynCardia certified centers in the US, including Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute and University of Rochester Medical Center.
SynCardia president and CEO Michael P Garippa noted the record the company is setting in 2013 for SynCardia total artificial heart implants nearly doubles what was then the company's 2011 record-breaking year of 81 implants.
"Surgeons and patients around the world are recognizing the life-saving benefits of the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart. The SynCardia Heart is becoming the standard of care for end-stage biventricular heart failure," Garippa added.
SynCardia Systems' SynCardia temporary total artificial heart has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada. The device also obtained CE Mark approval.
The total artificial heart is used as a bridge to transplant to a donor heart.
Similar to a heart transplant, the SynCardia total artificial heart replaces both failing heart ventricles and the four heart valves.
The total artificial heart eliminates the symptoms and source of end-stage biventricular heart failure.
It is immediately available at the 93 SynCardia certified centers and 35 other medical centers are in the process of certification.
