First In-Man Implantation of CARMAT's Bioprosthetic Artificial Heart
CARMAT, the designer and developer of the world's most advanced total artificial heart project, providing an alternative for people suffering from end-stage heart failure, announces the first implantation of its artificial heart, as part of its feasibility study and in accordance with the approvals granted by the ANSM (Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et Des Pproduits de Santé, the French health authority) and the Comité de Protection des Personnes (ethics committee).
The procedure was performed on December 18, 2013 by the Georges Pompidou European Hospital team in Paris (France) - a world first.
The implantation went smoothly, with the prosthesis automatically providing blood flow at physiologic conditions. The patient is currently being monitored in the intensive care unit. He is awake and talks with his family.
"We are delighted with this first implant, although it is premature to draw conclusions given that a single implant has been performed and that we are in the early postoperative phase", says Marcello Conviti, Chief Executive Officer of CARMAT.
About CARMAT
The only credible response for all cases of end-stage heart failure, which is a real public health issue: CARMAT's aim is to be able to provide a response to a major public health issue associated with heart disease, the world's leading cause of death: chronic and acute heart failure. Indeed, this disease currently affects over 100 million patients in developed countries. By pursuing the development of its total artificial heart, CARMAT intends to overcome the well-known shortfall in heart transplants for the tens of thousands of people suffering from heart failure.
The result of combining two types of unique expertise: the medical expertise of Professor Carpentier, known throughout the world for inventing Carpentier-Edwards® heart valves, which are the most used in the world, and the technological expertise of EADS, world aerospace leader.
Imitating the natural heart: given its size, the choice of structural materials and its innovative physiological functions, CARMAT's total artificial heart could, assuming upcoming clinical trials are successful, potentially benefit the lives of tens of thousands of patients a year whilst ensuring there is no risk of rejection and providing them with an unparalleled quality of life.
A project leader acknowledged at a European level: with the backing of the European Commission, CARMAT has been granted the largest subsidy ever given to an SME by Bpifrance; a total of €33 million.
Strongly committed, prestigious founders and shareholders: Truffle Capital, a leading European venture capital firm, EADS, the Fondation Alain Carpentier, the Centre Chirurgical Marie Lannelongue, and the thousands of institutional and individual shareholders who have placed their trust in CARMAT.
For more information: www.carmatsa.com.