A Medical Device Daily

Abiomed (Danvers, Massachusetts), a manufacturer of cardiac assist devices, reported that a patient has survived after being on AB5000 ventricle support for both sides of his heart for 37 days.

The patient, a resident of Cicero, New York, was implanted first with bi-ventricular BVS 5000 and then AB5000 support following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with subsequent cardiogenic shock. The patient also suffered acute kidney failure as a result of the heart attack and required dialysis. While on bi-ventricular heart support with the AB5000, his condition stabilized and his overall circulation improved so that his kidneys regained function.

After giving his heart a full chance for recovery, the patient's doctors determined that in his case cardiac recovery would not occur and he received a heart transplant.

“Cases like these . . . demonstrate that the AB5000 represents a tremendous opportunity to reduce mortality for the tens of thousands of patients suffering from AMI-cardiogenic shock,“ said Todd Massey, MD, director of the Artificial Heart Program and surgical director of the Cardiac Transplant Program at Strong Memorial Hospital (Rochester, New York). “By implanting the AB5000 as early as possible, patients suffering cardiogenic shock following a heart attack are afforded the best chance for recovery. For many patients, recovery will mean returning home with their natural heart. But even when it is determined that heart recovery is not possible, patients who receive support on the AB5000 are able to improve their condition and have all major organs supported while the next step in treatment is evaluated.“

The American Heart Association (Dallas) estimates more than 865,000 patients in the U.S. suffer heart attacks annually and has been associated with a 70%-80% rate of mortality.

Abiomed's AB5000 and the BVS 5000 systems are the only devices approved for bridge-to-recovery treatment following AMI-cardiogenic shock.