Minature pump success
A new minature blood pump developed by CircuLite, Inc. has been successfully transplanted into a patient in Germany. The device, the size of an AA battery, is designed to provide long-term, partial circulatory support in patients with chronic heart failure.
“The first implant of the Synergy device was very successful and the patient has already been discharged home and is doing very well,” said Prof. Meyns, Principal Investigator of the trial. “While CircuLite’s feasibility clinical study is in a bridge-to-transplant setting, the ultimate need for this type of device will be among those chronic heart failure patients who may not be eligible for a heart transplant. A partial support approach to chronic heart failure treatment may be better able to address the treatment needs and improve the quality of life for this unserved group of patients, who otherwise have no other options.”
The next phase of the project will take place in up to three European hospitals where they are hoping to enroll chronic heart failure patients who are awaiting heart transplantation and whose heart function is in a state of decline.
