Hypertronics Connectors Selected for SynCardia's Total Artificial Heart

Hypertronics Corporation, a Smiths Interconnect business and world-leading provider of high performance interconnect solutions for the most demanding applications; today announced that its HyperGrip and D series circular connectors were selected by SynCardia Systems, Inc. (www.SynCardia.com) to provide critical interconnect reliability for their Freedom(TM) driver, which is currently under development and designed to power the CardioWest(TM) temporary Total Artificial Heart.

The Hypertronics HyperGrip and D series connectors were chosen because of their reliable electromechanical performance characteristics: high cycle life, low contact resistance, low insertion/extraction force and resistance to shock and vibration.

The CardioWest(TM) temporary Total Artificial Heart manufactured by SynCardia is the only FDA and CE approved temporary Total Artificial Heart in the world. In the pivotal clinical study of the CardioWest artificial heart, 79% of patients receiving the artificial heart survived to transplant. This is the highest bridge-to-transplant rate for any medical device. The artificial heart has been implanted in more than 780 patients, accounting for more than 150 patient years of life on the device. The Freedom(TM) driver is designed to allow patients to be discharged from the hospital while they wait for a donor heart transplant which eliminates most in-hospital costs for this portion of their care. It is designed to improve their quality of life and weigh less than 10 lb.

Make sure you watch for the September issue of Today's Medical Developments Magazine. There will be full feature-coverage about the CardioWest(TM) temporary Total Artificial Heart!

"For the artificial heart and driver, ultra reliable connectivity is paramount, so we chose the technology that could deliver," says Rodger Ford, SynCardia president and CEO. "Hypertronics contacts have the proven Hypertac technology that eliminates the uncertainty about connectivity."

Since 2004, Hypertronics has maintained ISO13485:2003 certification to ensure the quality management systems are in compliance with the medical device standards for the design and manufacture of components used in medical devices.

"Hypertronics is unwavering in its commitment to providing the medical device market with reliable products that are leading edge," comments Vadim Radunsky, Hypertronics president. "We are excited to partner with SynCardia."

HyperGrip is designed to meet medical industry requirements such as finger-proofing to IEC60601, flammability rating to UL94 V0, and compatibility with most sterilization requirements. A user-configurable circular connector, HyperGrip is color-coded and customer-keyable for accurate and quick connections on medical equipment.

About the Hypertac Technology
Hypertronics Hypertac(R) advanced wire basket socket contact system is distinguished by its unique design. The shape of the contact sleeve is formed by wires strung at an angle to the socket axis. When the pin is inserted into this sleeve, the wires stretch around it, providing a number of linear contact paths, therefore extending the contact area around the pin to 360 degrees. The low mass and resulting low inertia of the wires enable them to withstand the most abrupt or extreme excursions of the pin without loss of contact -- a critical factor for ensuring electrical integrity in harsh environments and demanding applications.