Press Release:

TUCSON, Ariz. – Aug. 14, 2004 – SynCardia Systems, Inc., a privately held developer of biomechanical cardiac replacement and assist devices, today announced that a single center nine year heart study has been published in the July 2004 edition of the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. The study was conducted between January 1, 1993 and April 1, 2002 and followed 62 patients who received the CardioWest™ temporary Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t) after failing other medical therapies. All 62 patients were critically ill with biventricular heart failure and judged to be dying with almost no chance of survival to transplantation. The study found that after a mean support time of 92 days, 77% of TAH patients survived to transplant, with 88% of those surviving to hospital discharge.

“This study underscores the viability and value of the CardioWest™ temporary Total Artificial Heart for critically ill heart failure patients awaiting a heart transplant,” said Dr. Marvin J. Slepian, president and CEO, SynCardia. “This is an exciting time for the company and for the public as we expect imminent approval from the FDA for this life-saving device.”

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About SynCardia Systems, Inc.

SynCardia Systems, Inc. is the Tucson-based manufacturer of the world’s only FDA, Health Canada and CE approved Total Artificial Heart: the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart. There have been more than 850 implants of the Total Artificial Heart, accounting for more than 190 patient years of life on the device. 

Originally used as a permanent replacement heart, the Total Artificial Heart is currently approved as a bridge to human heart transplant for people dying from end-stage biventricular failure. The Total Artificial Heart is the only device that provides immediate, safe blood flow of up to 9.5 L/min through both ventricles.

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Media Contact:
Don Isaacs
Vice President of Communications
SynCardia Systems, Inc.
Cell: (520) 955-0660