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Any comment on vcr's competitors Micromed and Incor

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Benefits of the DeBakey VAD®

• Small size and light weight
About 1/10 the size of competitive pulsatile VAD products on the market and weighing less than four ounces (95 grams), the MicroMed DeBakey VAD® measures 1" x 3" (30mm X 76mm). This size gives a treatment hope to petite women and children because larger devices cannot be implanted in them. The small size of the device and flexible percutaneous cable should also provide lower infection rates.

• Ease of implant
Our experience indicates reduced surgical implantation time compared to large pulsatile devices. Due to the size, a surgical pocket is not required in most patients.

• Accurate, Real Time, Blood Flow Measurement
The DeBakey VAD® is the only implantable ventricular assist device with a flow probe that directly measures blood flow through the pump. This real time blood flow data provides the clinician with vital, accurate information to use in patient management.

• Reliable Design
The DeBakey VAD® and the DeBakey VAD® Child contain only one moving part, the inducer-impeller which is supported by our patented ceramic bearing system with years of proven durability.

• Patient quality of life
The MicroMed DeBakey VAD® is virtually silent when compared to other devices improving patient comfort. Patients are able to attend theatres, quiet restaurants and sleep without disturbing their partner. Our small VADPAK® enables high quality of life by providing comfortable mobility.

• Both Pediatric and Adult Designs
The only company that has both implantable pediatric and adult pump designs: MicroMed DeBakey VAD® Child and MicroMed DeBakey VAD®. (The MicroMed DeBakey Child is available in the United States under an HDE from the FDA for the pediatric patient 5 to 16 years of age with a BSA of > 0.7m² and 1.5m².)




The DeBakey VAD® and DeBakey VAD® Child Systems have received CE Mark approval for commercial distribution within the European Union for bridge-to-transplantation, destination therapy, and pediatric indications for use. The bridge-to transplantation indication was originally CE Marked in April 2001 for the DeBakey VAD® and the additional CE Mark indications approval for destination therapy and the DeBakey VAD® Child pediatric indication occurred during the second quarter of 2004. Most recently, both the DeBakey VAD® and the DeBakey VAD® Child Systems completed a design and clinical experience evaluation of the last 5 years of commercial experience for the purpose of re-certification of our CE Mark by our Notified Body. The new CE Mark Certification was issued by our Notified Body in 2006 and is valid through April 27, 2011.

MicroMed has commercial distribution of the DeBakey VAD® and the DeBakey VAD® Child to all countries of the European Union, Switzerland and Turkey.