On 22 March 2006, a 48 year old male patient suffering NYHA Class IV Heart Failure became the first recipient of HeartWare's HVAD mechanical circulatory assist device. The implant was conducted at the Vienna General Hospital and the surgical team was led by Dr Georg Wieselthaler, Clinical Director of Mechanical Circulatory Support at the University of Vienna.

The successful implant marks the start of HeartWare's CE mark clinical study. The trial protocol calls for the implantation of the device in twenty patients suffering advanced heart failure. The implants are to be conducted at the Vienna General Hospital (Austria), the Royal Perth Hospital (Australia), the Hannover Medical Centre (Germany) and Harefield Hospital (UK). HeartWare expects to complete patient enrolment in the trial by the end of 2006.

Commenting on the first implant, Dr Wieselthaler said:

"Our first clinical experience of the HVAD was extremely positive. The procedure was completed quickly and without incident, and our patient's early post-operative recovery has been excellent.

The device's small size and configuration facilitated a relatively fast implant procedure. The surgery took only 85 minutes, significantly less than the time typically required to implant other devices. The patient was moved from the operating theatre into the post operative recovery area, conscious and off ventilation within seven hours. He continues to recover quickly and has met with his family. We are very pleased with these results."

HeartWare CEO, Mr Stuart McConchie, commented from Vienna:

"The performance of the HVAD continues to support our high expectations for its clinical potential. The early success of this first implant marks the culmination of many years of effort in conceiving, designing, developing and testing what we believe to be the world's leading mechanical circulatory assist device.

The HVAD is the smallest 3rd generation circulatory
'"/>

Contact: Howard Leibman
61-282-157-604
Research Australia
24-Mar-2006

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. First of its kind report on how children with brain tumors perform at school
2. First clinical trial of gene therapy for childhood blindness
3. First nationwide child health and air pollution study commences
4. First step in developing heart hormone-based pill to control high blood pressure
5. First greenhouse gas animations produced using Envisat SCIAMACHY data
6. First ozone and nitrogen dioxide measurements from MetOp-A
7. First-degree fetal heart block may be reversible
8. 10 outstanding scientists chosen as First Environmental Health Science Fellows
9. First-time mothers at increased risk for postpartum mental disorders
10. Transforming knowledge into economic benefits -- EPSRCs First Knowledge Transfer Challenge Awards
11. First Quantum Grant to fund stem cell repair of damage from stroke