Ventracor’s ‘Artificial Heart’ Recognised for InnovationSydney,...

Ventracor’s ‘Artificial Heart’ Recognised for Innovation
Sydney, 17 May 2004: Ventracor Limited (ASX: VCR) today announced its VentrAssist™
‘artificial heart’ had won the Open Category of the inaugural DuPont Australia and New
Zealand 2004 Innovation Awards.
Ventracor Limited Chief Executive Officer, Dr Colin Sutton said: “We are honoured to
receive this prestigious independently judged award.”
The Federal Minister for Science, the Hon Peter McGauran MP presented the award to
VentrAssist™ creator Dr John Woodard at a ceremony in Melbourne on Friday. There
were 87 competitors in the Open Category.
“The assessment criteria for the awards recognised innovation, the successful
application of new ideas and contribution towards improving Australia’s international
competitiveness,” Dr Sutton added.
The VentrAssist™ left ventricular assist system (LVAS) is designed as a permanent
alternative to a heart transplant for patients worldwide suffering end-stage heart failure.
It is connected to a weak heart where it assists the pumping function. Its inherent design
advantages include long service life, small size and biocompatibility.
About Ventracor
Ventracor is an international medical technology company that has developed a life-saving
heart pump, the VentrAssist™ left ventricular assist system (LVAS), for patients in cardiac
failure. The company is focused on commercialising the VentrAssist™ and bringing it to
market around the world in record time.
Ventracor is well positioned to significantly improve the quality of life for tens of thousands
of people worldwide. Ventracor anticipates obtaining a significant share of the massive
LVAS market, which independent analysts expect to grow to between $US7.5 billion and
$US12 billion per annum.
For further information, please contact:
Colin Sutton PhD Andrew Geddes
Chief Executive Officer Manager, Investor Relations
Ventracor Limited Ventracor Limited
(02) 9406 3100 (02) 9406 3086