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ABIOMED Home > News > ABIOMED AB5000 Ventricle Patient Supported for more than 37 days, Saved on Christmas Eve |
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| ABIOMED AB5000 Ventricle Patient Supported for more than 37 days, Saved on Christmas Eve | ||||||||||||||
| DANVERS,
Mass. (December 30, 2004) – ABIOMED, Inc. (NASDAQ:
ABMD) a manufacturer of products for circulatory care and support,
today announced that a patient has survived after being on AB5000
ventricle support for both sides of his heart for 37 days.
The patient, Cornelius King, a resident of Cicero, New York, was implanted first with bi-ventricular BVS 5000 and then AB5000 support following an acute myocardial infarction, also known as an AMI or heart attack, with subsequent cardiogenic shock. Mr. King also suffered acute kidney failure as a result of the heart attack and required dialysis. While on bi-ventricular heart support with the AB5000, his condition stabilized and his overall circulation improved to the point where his kidneys regained function. After giving his heart a full chance for recovery, Mr. King's doctors determined that in his case cardiac recovery would not occur, and he received a heart transplant. According to the American Heart Association, more than 865,000 patients in the United States suffer from heart attacks each year.* Cardiogenic shock complicates 7 to 10 percent of heart attack cases and has been associated with a 70 to 80 percent mortality rate.** However, new technologies such as early revascularization and ventricular assist devices have been shown to dramatically improve survival. ABIOMED's ventricular assist devices, the AB5000 and the BVS 5000, are the only devices approved for Bridge-to-Recovery treatment following AMI-cardiogenic shock. "Cases like these are very encouraging, and demonstrate that the AB5000 represents a tremendous opportunity to reduce mortality for the tens of thousands of patients suffering from AMI-cardiogenic shock. By implanting the AB5000 as early as possible, patients suffering cardiogenic shock following a heart attack are afforded the best chance for recovery. For many patients, recovery will mean returning home with their natural heart. But even when it is determined that heart recovery is not possible, patients who receive support on the AB5000 are able to improve their condition and have all major organs supported while the next step in treatment is evaluated," commented Dr. Todd Massey, Director of the Artificial Heart Program and Surgical Director of the Cardiac Transplant Program at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY. "Cases like these demonstrate that the AB5000 can provide extended periods of support and provide major organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver, with a full opportunity for recovery," said Michael R. Minogue, CEO and President of ABIOMED. "For those patients whose hearts cannot recover, time on the BVS and AB5000 helps the patient stabilize and protects their organs. We have had patients on AB5000 bi-ventricular support beyond 90 days." About ABIOMED 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. *Goldberg RJ, Gore JM, Alpert JS, et al. NEJM 1991; 325: 1117-22. Media Contact: Investor Relations:
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