"A New Era": A Unique Heart Pump Designed in France Successfully Implanted in a Patient

This is a world first. A patient has been implanted with a new-generation heart pump that replicates the natural functioning of the heart: a wave-membrane pump. This cardiac assistance device is described as "revolutionary" by its manufacturer, the French startup CorWave.

While this heart pump was developed over many years in Clichy, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, it was on the other side of the planet, in Sydney, Australia, that the first patient received this implant. After undergoing surgery thirty days ago, this Australian man suffering from advanced heart failure "is doing well" and "has left the hospital," CorWave said in a press release published on Wednesday, July 9.

This "true technological and medical feat" marks a milestone in the fight against advanced heart failure.

The undulating diaphragm pump is "inspired by the undulating swimming of aquatic animals," explains CorWave. It aims to "preserve the physiological balance of the cardiovascular system, unlike current so-called 'rotary' pumps, which produce a constant and continuous flow."

The heart pump was designed to replicate a pulse rate and blood flow rates similar to those of a healthy heart. "This next-generation system preserves the natural pulse, which is potentially revolutionary. We could usher in a new era of circulatory support," explains cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Paul Jansz.

This innovation aims firstly to reduce the risk of complications associated with current pumps "such as strokes , bleeding, right heart failure or even valvular disease".

In addition, it should improve the quality of life of implanted patients "by allowing them to resume their daily, professional and personal activities more widely," explains the French company, which adds that this new pump also aims to "promote remission of heart failure, which is possible in some patients.

According to CorWave, the Australian patient, who received the implant a month ago, "confirms that he feels much better than before his surgery and is not experiencing any particular discomfort." "He no longer experiences fatigue or shortness of breath, which are typical symptoms of advanced heart failure," the startup adds.

CorWave even received congratulations from Emmanuel Macron in a social media post . "This is a hope for millions of patients suffering from heart failure. Congratulations to the teams: you can be very proud," the French president wrote on Wednesday.

Heart failure is the inability of the heart muscle to normally pump blood through the body, the French health insurance agency points out on its website . It affects more than 64 million people worldwide.