thoratec surpasses 10,000 , page-2

Thanks Pat. What l would like to know is the general opinion within this industry of Heartware's device against Thoratecs. This will be crucial to growth for Heartware. From what l understand ours is smaller, easier to implant meaning less invasive surgery and equally or more effective. Is anyone aware of any published material comparing these units?

The webcast l listened to from Thoratec touched on the likely impact of our device on their market and their take was we would compete against them on approx 30% of their established market which l understood was due to the difference in the number of centres established to perform the surgery. That comment to me was arrogant on Thoratecs behalf as Heartwares number of centres is growing rapidly and hopefully we can hit the ground running.

So now we have the panel next week and then provided all is good with that the wait for final approval and who knows how long that will be. l find it ridiculous and frustrating how its now almost 18 months since they filed for approval with the FDA happy to allow the continued implantation under the CAP initiative while at the same time dragging out the final approval process.

Once approval arrives l'm sure we will be well rewarded.