Carmat, the developer of most advanced total artificial heart project, has announced the first implantation of its artificial heart at the Georges Pompidou European Hospital in Paris, France, on 18 December 2013.
The implantation is part of the company’s feasibility study and in accordance with the approvals granted by the Agence nationale de securite du medicament et des produits de sante (the French Health Authority) and the Comite de Protection des Personnes (Ethics Committee).
This first implant went smoothly, with the prosthesis automatically providing normal blood flow at a physiological rate.
Carmat CEO Marcello Conviti said: "We are delighted with this first implant, although it is obviously far too early to draw conclusions given that this is the first such implant and surgery has only just been performed."
Carmat claims that its total artificial heart provides an alternative for people suffering from end-stage heart failure.
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.