Rennes University Hospital surgeons undergo training for the SynCardia CardioWest Total Artificial Heart

On Oct. 26 & 27, the surgical team from Rennes University Hospital, led by Dr. Erwan Flecher and Prof. Jean-Philippe Verhoye, completed the first phase of certification training for the SynCardia temporary CardioWest™ Total Artificial Heart in Paris. The team trained exclusively with the new Companion Driver System, which received the CE Mark to power the Total Artificial Heart in Europe on Oct. 13.

“We perform anywhere from 1,200 to 1,400 open heart surgeries annually,” said Dr. Flecher, who was first introduced to the Total Artificial Heart as a resident at La Pitié in 1999. “It is critical for us to have this life-saving technology to save our sickest patients. We look forward to Phase 3 of certification training, our proctored first implant of the Total Artificial Heart using the new Companion Driver System.”

The Companion Driver System represents the next generation in pneumatic driver technology. The user-friendly touch screen display provides access to all driver functions and modes, no keyboard required. To make it simpler for hospitals and patients, the Companion Driver is serviced by replacement. No on-site repair, service or inventory of parts is required. Drivers are delivered and returned via express delivery service.