fifth patient dead, page-2

Ventracor patient dies in 'artificial heart' trial
09:30, Wednesday, 3 March 2004

Sydney - Wednesday - March 3: (RWE) - Ventracor Ltd today
provided an update on the pilot trial of its "artificial heart" at The
Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, reporting the fifth patient, who was
implanted in early February, had died.
Chief medical investigator Professor Don Esmore said the cause
of the patient's death was being reviewed.
Out of respect for the patient and family, additional details
will not be released.
Professor Esmore added the fourth patient implanted with the
VentrAssist system had been discharged home and the first two patients
had now been supported for eight months and six months respectively.
Patients eligible to be implanted with the VentrAssist system
are gravely ill and no longer responding to optimal medical therapy.
The pilot trial tests the safety of the device in up to 10
patients.
Shares in Ventracor yesterday rose 3c to $1.84.