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[May 2006]
Alberox Ceramic Feed-Thrus Provide High Reliability for HeartWare’s Circulatory Assist Devices
The Alberox Products Division of Morgan Advanced Ceramics provides innovative, custom-designed ceramic feed-thrus for mechanical circulatory assist devices. Providing superior reliability and durability, these hermetic feed-thrus are used by HeartWare, which is developing a family of implantable circulatory assist devices, including the HVAD, aimed at treating patients with congestive heart failure. On 22 March 2006, HeartWare had its first human implant and is scheduled for 20 more clinical trials in 2006.
Offering 100% leak inspection, Alberox Products’ ceramic feed-thrus are comprised of 100% biocompatible, corrosion-resistant materials, which makes them ideal for use in implantable circulatory assist devices. With a volume of only 45cc, HeartWare’s HVAD is the smallest third generation circulatory assist device available. Because of its small size, it is essential that the feed-thrus complement the device’s proportions. Exploiting the superior electrical properties of the alumina ceramic used in the assembly, Alberox Products application engineers have been able to design and produce these smaller feed-thrus. The feed-thrus also offer a more robust bond and higher reliability than traditional glass seals.
In addition to mechanical circulatory assist devices, Alberox Products also offers feed-thrus for the following medical implant applications: bone growth stimulators, cochlear implants, pacemakers, defibrillators, drug delivery devices and neurostimulation for pain management.
Morgan Advanced Ceramics (MAC) has a comprehensive range of ceramic materials, from which its products are manufactured. Supplying to a variety of demanding markets, MAC has established an enviable reputation for providing value-added solutions through world-class research and development, innovative design and, perhaps most important of all, application engineering.
As a subsidiary of The Morgan Crucible Company, MAC forms part of the Morgan Technical Ceramics Group. The Group includes Morgan Electro Ceramics and from manufacturing locations in North America, Europe and Asia, it supplies an extensive range of products, including ceramic components, braze alloys, ceramic/metal assemblies and engineered coatings.
www.morganadvancedceramics.com
ENDS