To be the sole source provider of surgical devices for beating heart cardiac surgery

MAQUET Cardiovascular has signed a guaranteed two-year contract with Novation, to be the sole source provider of surgical devices for beating heart cardiac surgery.

Under the terms of the agreement, which runs through October 31, 2012, MAQUET Cardiovascular will be the exclusive provider of beating heart devices and disposable supplies to the members of VHA and University Health system Consortium (UHC). Those members will have access to all of MAQUET’s beating heart products, including the Acrobat stabilizer system and the Heartstring Proximal Seal System.

MAQUET claims that its completely clampless beating heart products, position and stabilize the heart, helping surgeons provide optimal outcomes for high-risk coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. The company’s stabilizers, positioners and anastomosis systems, which aid in sewing vessels onto the heart, are included in the agreement. These products are used in combination with the company’s Vasoview for endoscopic vessel harvesting.

Raoul Quintero, president of cardiovascular US sales at MAQUET, said: “Being named Novation’s sole source provider for beating heart surgical devices is a testament to our comprehensive line of cardiac surgery devices. Our growing relationship with Novation recognizes MAQUET’s product line as one of the most advanced cardiac patient care solution systems available, and we are eager to develop strong alliances with the members Novation serves.”

Scott Crandall, senior director of contract services cardiology at Novation, said: “As a result of this agreement, the members of VHA and UHC will have access to the leading devices in this category with preferred pricing and service available from MAQUET.”

Beating heart surgery, or off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) is performed without the use of a heart-lung machine, allowing the heart to continue beating during the surgical procedure.