The French company Carmat designed and developed the most advanced artificial heart in the world and recently got the CE marking.
This means the company can now sell its artificial heart system in EU countries that recognize this certification.
This system is crucial for patients suffering from irreversible end-stage heart failure because it could save their lives.
As a result of their success, the company’s shares achieved the biggest increase in a period of 7 years after they got an approval to sell the artificial heart in Europe.
But, it wasn’t an easy road, say the scientists.
An Effort that Took almost 3 Decades to Become Reality
The heart valve inventor and cardiac surgeon Alain Carpentier presented the idea for the development of an artificial heart system back in 1993 to the French industrialist Jean-Luc Lagardere.
Lagardere then put several labs and engineers from his missile company Matra at Carpentier’s disposal.
Throughout the years, the project expanded and Matra became part of Airbus SE. Lagardere is now the biggest shareholder of Carmat with 13 percent whereas Carpentier has 5.3%.
Carmat needed 10 years to get the CE mark and they explain it’s a record because of the device’s high complexity.
The company’s next plans are to increase the production of the system and launch it in the second quarter of the year.
What Does the CE Marking Mean for Patients on Transplant Lists?
This is amazing news for patients, explain representatives of Carmat.
They will speed up the manufacturing processes and things further with their core customers to ensure smooth production and a launch expected in the second quarter of 2021.
They hope their system will be long-awaited solution to patients with terminal heart disease.
The goal is to eventfully replace the need for heart transplants and work as a human heart-pulsating, self-regulating, and being blood-compatible.
The heart can function for several years in the patients. It works by attaching the biological to the mechanical parts through batteries and actuator fluids that power the functions of a normal heart.
A small and discreet bag contains a controller with lithium-ion batteries. According to a person who got the Aeson in 2015, he never felt so good.
He is able to walk and bend over 10 to 15 times per day without any issue. His balance improved, said the 69-year-old father of two.
Sources: