Healthcare Industry News: Abiomed
News Release - January 16, 2007
World's First Patient Supported on Abiomed's iPulse, a Combination Intra-Aortic Balloon and Ventricular Assist Device Console
Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam Uses New CE Mark Approved iPulse Console and Abiomed's Intra-Aortic Balloon for Percutaneous Circulatory Support During High-Risk AngioplastyDANVERS, Mass.--(HSMN NewsFeed)--Abiomed, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABMD ) today announced the first patient in Europe treated with its new intra-aortic balloon (IAB) and iPulse(TM) Console under the recent CE Mark approval of the technology. Dr. J.P.S. Henriques, Cardiologist at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, used the intra-aortic balloon pump during a high-risk angioplasty procedure. Abiomed's IAB is a percutaneous technology designed to enhance blood flow to the heart and other organs for patients with diminished heart function. The iPulse combination console platform drives Abiomed's IAB, BVS 5000 and AB5000 Circulatory Support Systems, as well as new product introductions planned by Abiomed in the future.
"We had a positive experience with the iPulse Console and Abiomed's intra-aortic balloon, finding the technology to be safe and easy-to-use during a high-risk angioplasty. This new intra-aortic balloon is a good front line treatment option to provide patients with minimally invasive cardiac perfusion," said Dr. J.P.S. Henriques, Cardiologist at the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam. "We look forward to continuing to work with Abiomed as they advance circulatory support technologies for patients in need."
The procedure, lasting approximately an hour, provided increased circulation during high-risk angioplasty to an 84-year-old patient requiring stents to the left-main, the vessel that supplies blood to the heart itself. This 8 French IAB is inserted percutaneously into a patient's descending aorta through the femoral artery. Inflation and deflation timing is controlled by the patient's heart rhythm or blood pressure, to ensure maximum cardiac support.
"Approximately 160,000 intra-aortic balloons are used globally each year. With our new IAB, Abiomed continues to make progress expanding our global presence and product portfolio," said Michael R. Minogue, Chairman, CEO and President of Abiomed. "Our iPulse console and new intra-aortic balloon provide Abiomed with an earlier presence along the continuum of patient care, allowing greater access to potentially life-saving heart recovery technologies."
ABOUT Abiomed
Based in Danvers, Massachusetts, Abiomed, Inc., is a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical products designed to assist or replace the pumping function of the failing heart. Abiomed currently manufactures and sells the AB5000(TM) Circulatory Support System and the BVS® 5000 Biventricular Support System for the temporary support of all patients with failing but potentially recoverable hearts. The Company also developed the AbioCor® Implantable Replacement Heart. In Europe, Abiomed offers the minimally invasive Impella® Circulatory Support System under CE Mark approval. The Impella® 5.0 and 2.5 are investigational devices limited by Federal Law solely to investigational use in the United States. Other Impella devices and the iPulse are not yet available for sale in the United States. For additional information please visit: www.Abiomed.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding development of Abiomed's existing and new products, the Company's progress toward commercial growth, and future opportunities. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements based upon a number of factors, including uncertainties associated with development, testing and related regulatory approvals, anticipated future losses, complex manufacturing, high quality requirements, dependence on limited sources of supply, competition, technological change, government regulation, future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing, and other risks and challenges detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date of this Release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Source: Abiomed
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