Race Against Time (Europe)

When both sides of the heart can no longer pump enough blood to sustain the body (end-stage biventricular failure), vital organs like the kidneys, liver and brain are starved of blood. If adequate blood flow is not restored in time, tissue may die and vital organs can suffer permanent damage. For these patients there are two treatment options: an immediate donor heart transplant or the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart as a bridge to transplant.

Donor Hearts: Growing Demand, Flat Supply

Heart transplantation is the current standard of care for end-stage heart failure. However, over the last 20 years, despite growing demand, the supply of donor hearts has remained flat. Less than 600 donor hearts become available each year in Europe and only about 3,500 worldwide.

According to the Eurotransplant International Foundation*:

• 48% of people listed for a donor heart have been waiting for more than a year
• 26% have been waiting for 2+ years
• Up to 20% of patients die on the waiting list because no suitable organ is available in time.

*Data as of Dec. 31, 2008 - includes Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Slovenia

The Total Artificial Heart as a Bridge to Transplant

The fastest way to save vital organs is to supply the body with a high volume of safe blood flow before it is too late. The Total Artificial Heart is the only device that provides immediate, safe blood flow of up to 9.5 L/min through both ventricles. This helps vital organs recover faster, which helps make patients better transplant candidates.

Similar to a heart transplant, the Total Artificial Heart replaces both failing ventricles, which eliminates the symptoms and source of biventricular failure. However, unlike a donor heart, the Total Artificial Heart is instantly available at SynCardia Certified Centers.