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Sunshine Heart
Sunshine Heart is a US based company developing the C-Pulse Heart Assist System. The C-Pulse Heart Assist System is designed to treat clinical symptoms associated with Class III and ambulatory Class IV heart failure. These symptoms normally include shortness of breath, dizziness, low blood pressure and fluid retention. Patients associated with Class III and ambulatory Class IV heart failure are typically unable to engage in normal activities, compromising their quality of life. The C-Pulse Heart Assist System may be implanted through a minimally invasive or full sternotomy technique. The device is unique in that it sits outside of the patient’s blood system, thus virtually eliminating the risk of stroke and thus requiring no blood thinning medication. In addition, it allows patients to disconnect from the device for short periods if they need to.

In a pilot trial of 20 very ill patients, remarkably, five patients became so well that they were able to disconnect permanently from the device and resume their lives symptom free. There is a larger pivotal trial underway in the US ( COUNTER HF ) and another in Europe ( OPTIONS TRIAL ). These trials are now screening patients to assess suitability for enrollment.

Further information can be found at http://www.sunshineheart.com/