- St. Jude Medical's (NYSE:STJ) HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) is now CE Mark-approved in the EU. The device is indicated for cardiac support in patients with advanced heart failure who are waiting for a transplant, are in myocardial recovery or advanced heart failure patients who are not candidates for a transplant.
- HeartMate 3 is the first commercially-approved centrifugal-flow LVAD (left ventricular assist device) that utilizes fully magnetically-levitated technology (Full MagLev). The magnetic forces suspend the device's rotor which reduces the stress to the blood as it passes through the pump.
- The HeartMate 3, designed to supplement the pumping ability of the left ventricle, can pump up to 10 liters of blood per minute. The system includes a centrifugal pump that is implanted directly onto the patient's heart while the device itself is implanted above the diaphragm next to the heart and attached to the aorta. The patient wears an external controller and battery pack that powers the pump.
- St. Jude acquired the rights the HeartMate 3 via its acquisition of Thoratec.