Berlin heart

Berlin Heart is a medical device company that specializes in the development and production of ventricular assist devices (VADs). The company's most notable product is the Berlin Heart EXCOR, a mechanical cardiac support system for patients suffering from severe heart failure.

History

Berlin Heart was founded in 1987 in Berlin, Germany. The company initially focused on the development of artificial heart valves and other cardiovascular devices. In 1996, Berlin Heart introduced the EXCOR VAD, a device designed to support the failing hearts of patients awaiting heart transplantation.

Berlin Heart EXCOR

The Berlin Heart EXCOR is a pneumatically driven VAD that can be used in patients of all ages, from newborns to adults. The device consists of a blood pump, a driving unit, and a control unit. The blood pump is implanted into the patient's body and connected to the heart, while the driving and control units remain outside the body.

The EXCOR VAD can be used as a bridge to transplantation, supporting the patient's circulation until a suitable donor heart becomes available. It can also be used as a bridge to recovery, allowing the patient's heart to rest and potentially recover its function.

Clinical Use

The Berlin Heart EXCOR has been used in thousands of patients worldwide. Clinical studies have shown that the device can significantly improve the survival and quality of life of patients with end-stage heart failure.

See Also

• Ventricular assist device
• Heart failure
• Heart transplantation