Artificial heart trials commenced

The much-anticipated clinical trial of Ventracor's artificial heart has commenced, with the implantation of the device in the first patient at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on the weekend.

According to Prof Don Esmore, the chief medical investigator for the pilot trial, the patient -- an older man with end-stage congestive heart failure -- is doing very well, and would be expected to remain in hospital for another two to three weeks.

"He's doing as well as can be expected, perhaps even better," Esmore said.

Up to 10 patients will be implanted with the VentrAssist device in the current pilot trial at the Alfred Hospital, according to Prof David Kaye, who along with Esmore heads the trial.

"We want to get an idea of how the device performs in a range of patients," he said.

While the team plans to monitor the first patient for six to 10 weeks before a second patient is implanted with the device, Kaye said that there were two or three potential candidates available. The device is being trialled on patients with end stage congestive heart failure who are no longer responding well to medical treatment.

The trial will last for approximately twelve months, after which a Pivotal Trial is planned which will trial the device at a couple of other centres in Australia, and overseas.

According to Esmore, the Australian designed and made device is generating significant interest internationally. The VentrAssist is unique in that it is substantially smaller than existing devices and has only one moving part, so it should not wear out or cause blood damage. The company hopes that the device will provide a permanent alternative to a heart transplant.

Esmore praised the team of scientists and engineers that developed the device, saying it was a great achievement by an Australian company. "What has been achieved thus far has required a lot of people, and their expertise," he said. "Just to get to this stage is a great thing."