Recent Updates
Recently added Catalysts
PMI Positive Sentiment Score: 65/100

Opening and Strategic Overview Patrick NJ Schnegelsberg, CEO

Key Takeaway: The article presents insights from a strategic overview led by CEO Patrick NJ Schnegelsberg, focusing on the collaboration between SynCardia and UCSF on Total Artificial Heart (TAH) implementations. Key topics discussed include the operational strategies and financial overview of the program, as well as patient selection criteria and institutional outcomes. Notably, UCSF is enhancing its status as a major center for heart transplantation, despite challenges reflected in the outcomes of some TAH patients. Future plans include collaborative outreach to improve best practices and expand the program's impact.

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Presentation outlines innovative strategies for growth.
  • Collaboration aims to enhance patient outcomes in heart failure management.
  • UCSF recognized as a top heart transplant program in the US.

CONCERNS & RISKS

  • Two patients expired after TAH implants, indicating potential risks.
  • Challenges in patient selection and surgical technique can impact outcomes.

Full Press Release Details

Opening and Strategic Overview Patrick NJ Schnegelsberg, CEO
Technology and Product Pipeline Matt Schuster, COO
Operational Strategy and Manufacturing Initiatives Matt Schuster, COO
Financial Overview Bernard Skaggs, CFO
Experience with the SynCardia TAH Amy Fiedler, MD Associate Professor of Surgery, Surgical Director of Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, UCSF
Amy G. Fiedler, MD Associate Professor of Cardiac Surgery Surgical Director of Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support Total Artificial Heart A Cardiac Surgeons Perspective
35 Objectives Overview of our heart failure program at UCSF Describe our path to TAH and subsequent growth Review patient selection (key for success) Surgical technique Discuss our institutional outcomes to date Next steps for future growth and collaboration
36 AHFCCC - UCSF Advanced Heart Failure Comprehensive Care Center Top 8 heart transplant program in the US Largest VA ECMO program in the West 5 th largest LVAD HM3 center in the West
37 Our journey to TAH It takes a team Busy LVAD center Busy transplant center Fantastic coordinators + nurses Innovative leadership Surgeons with experience
38 Patient Selection Biventricular failure Age Status of end organs Multi - disciplinary evaluation Potential transplant candidacy in the future Rehabilitation potential
39 Patient Selection
40 Surgical Technique - Tips and Tricks Minimize any unnecessary dissection Sew the aorta and PA grafts on first Double layer 3 - 0 MH prolene on sewing cuffs Loops around SVC, IVC, aorta Goretex + close pericardium Delayed chest closure until exquisitely dry
41 Institutional Outcomes to Date Program began November 2024 5 TAH implants - 2 with successful OHT - 1 awaiting discharge - 2 expired
44 Next Steps for Growth / Collaboration SynCardia x UCSF UCSF to become a destination center for TAH Collaborative outreach events across the country promoting TAH x UCSF Partnering to publish outcomes, best practices, and practice changing techniques Discuss possibility of cross - collaboration to identify RV failure after LVAD and selecting those patients for TAH support
Patient Perspective Former SynCardia Patient
Future of Mechanical Circulatory Support Innovation Zain Khalpey, MD, PhD, FACS Chief Medical Artificial Intelligence Officer, Network Director for the Artificial Heart Program, HonorHealth, Phoenix
Closing Remarks with Q&A Patrick NJ Schnegelsberg, CEO

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of UCSF's heart failure program?

UCSF's heart failure program aims to enhance the outcomes and collaboration in treating heart failure, specifically through the Total Artificial Heart (TAH) approach.

What are the key aspects of patient selection for TAH?

Key aspects include assessing biventricular failure, age, organ status, multidisciplinary evaluations, and future transplant candidacy.

What are some tips for surgical techniques during TAH placement?

Tips include minimizing dissection, prioritizing graft sewing, using double-layer sutures, and delaying chest closure.

How has UCSF's TAH program performed since its start?

Since November 2024, UCSF has conducted 5 TAH implants, with 2 successful heart transplants and 1 patient awaiting discharge.

What future collaborations are planned for TAH at UCSF?

Future collaborations include outreach events, publishing outcomes, and identifying patients for TAH support after LVAD.

Last updated: Mar 27, 2026