Berlin Heart's paediatric LVAD (left-ventricular assist device) in "record-breaking" UK recovery success:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Berlin Heart has hit the UK headlines with the successful use of an external cardiac-assist device for what is claimed to be a record-breaking time. After the 8-month baby was given the go-ahead to remove life-support due to the severity of a myocarditis-induced heart attack, the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, still decided to use Berlin's EXCOR Pediatric left-ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to transplant, with an outside chance of success. After 120 days supported by the LVAD, followed by a fortnight's recovery, the now 13-month old has left hospital. The Berlin, Germany company is wholly-owned by long-term medtech investment company Syscore, since October 2006.