Artificial Hearts Now Selling Online

Some artificial heart accessories are now available for sale online. SynCardia Systems, the maker of the only FDA-approved temporary total artificial heart has opened an online store to take orders for the device. As an industry first they've launched a new online shop this week at http://Shop.SynCardia.com to make ordering the devices more easier and accurate.

Anyone can browse through the website which includes accessories such as running gear, bags and backpacks. If you click on patient accessories, there are batteries, bags and filters that are relevant products for patients. Potential buyers need to have a SynCardia certified implant center actually order the products.  Patients need to sign in with a username and password, and to get those need to e-mail the company via a link on the shop “Contact Us” page. And only staff members at certified centers can order the device and the equipment needed to implant it.

In May 2010, the Mayo Clinic Arizona became the first hospital in U.S. history to discharge a patient implanted with the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart to wait at home for a matching donor heart.

The temporary total artificial heart was originally approved by the FDA back in 2004 as a bridge to heart transplantation, for use in the hospital. More than 850 of the devices have been implanted, according to the company. According to an FDA summary of the safety and efficacy data, overall survival in patients who received the device was 75.3%, 70.4%, and 67.9% at six, 12, and 24 months. More than three-quarters (79%) ultimately received a heart transplant.

Based on - Syncardia Press Releae