Abiomed just received EU's CE Mark to market company's new portable VAD power source, developed to allow patients with AB5000 VAD (ventricular assist device) to be able to leave the hospital. The good old standard console is shown in the picture below.

Abiomed's AB5000 Portable Driver, at only 18 pounds, is the lightest and most powerful bi-ventricular system in the industry. It delivers the pressures and vacuums equivalent to Abiomed's AB5000 console and its recently approved iPulse combination console. Internal testing of the Portable Driver and the AB5000 Ventricle has demonstrated high reliability. This testing showed that the Portable Driver is capable of providing full support for a year's intended use. The unit is expected to require low maintenance, approximately every 5,000 hours of operation, which is estimated to be three times longer than existing portable consoles that weigh twice as much or more. Abiomed's Portable Driver was designed with the latest smart battery technology for extended power capability and the quiet operation of the Portable Driver provides for minimal disruption of the patient's quality of life at-home. Abiomed recently announced FDA labeling approval of one year bench reliability for its AB5000 VAD, which is expected to complement the Portable Driver reliability.

Press release: Abiomed Receives European CE Mark Approval for AB5000(R) Portable Circulatory Support Driver