Canadian approval for Thoratec Laboratories:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Thoratec Laboratories has received Canadian approval for its TLC-II portable VAD driver. The device is used to power the Thoratec VAD system which pumps blood to the body in heart failure patients awaiting transplantation. Its small size and light weight means that patients are mobile and independent after they leave the intensive care unit. The Pleasanton, California-based company said it is the only portable cardiac assist device which is capable of treating patients by providing right, left or biventricular support. The company has submitted an investigational device exemption to begin US clinical trials of the device.