first human implant of heartware hvad

First human implant of HeartWare HVAD
09:27, Friday, 24 March 2006

Sydney - Friday - March 24: (RWE Australian Business News) - A
48-year-old male patient suffering NYHA Class IV Heart Failure this week
became the first recipient of HeartWare Ltd's (ASX code: HTW) HVAD
mechanical circulatory assist device.

The implant was conducted at the Vienna General Hospital and the
surgical team was led by Dr Georg Wieselthaler, clinical director of
Mechanical Circulatory Support at the University of Vienna.

The successful implant marks the start of HeartWare's CE mark
clinical study.

The trial protocol calls for the implantation of the device in
20 patients suffering advanced heart failure.

The implants are to be conducted at the Vienna General Hospital
(Austria), the Royal Perth Hospital (Australia), the Hannover Medical
Centre (Germany) and Harefield Hospital (UK).

HeartWare expects to complete patient enrolment in the trial by
the end of 2006.

Commenting on the first implant, Dr Wieselthaler said: "Our
first clinical experience of the HVAD was extremely positive.

"The procedure was completed quickly and without incident, and
our patient's early post-operative recovery has been excellent.

"The device's small size and configuration facilitated a
relatively fast implant procedure.

"The surgery took only 85 minutes - significantly less than the
time typically required to implant other devices.

"The patient was moved from the operating theatre into the
post-operative recovery area, conscious and off ventilation within seven
hours. He continues to recover quickly and has met with his family.

"We are very pleased with these results."
Shares in HeartWare rose 15c to $1.23 yesterday.

ENDS