Sixth Ventracor device implanted

The sixth patient in Ventracor's (ASX:VCR) pilot trial has been implanted with the company's 'VentrAssist' left ventricular assistance device at The Alfred hospital in Melbourne.

Up to 10 implants are expected to be conducted for the trial.

Chief Medical Investigators, Professor Don Esmore and Professor David Kaye, said the operation had gone smoothly and the patient, who was gravely ill and suffering congestive heart failure, was now making a good recovery.

“The VentrAssist left ventricular assist system is performing as expected,” said Professor Esmore.

Three patients implanted with VentrAssist have reached nearly 12 months, 10 months and six months since their implants. Two other patients have passed away.

Ventracor has said it also plans to begin its clinical trial program for European CE Mark approval in mid-2004.

At time or writing Ventracor's shares were up 6 cents to $1.52.