Filter News

Annual Gala Event Marks Official Launch Of UCLA Medical Center Destination Therapy Cardiac Program

Published: May 20, 2004

LOS ANGELES, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gift of the Heart Foundation, established by a group of UCLA physicians and patients dedicated to advancing cardiovascular and transplant medicine, will recognize Thoratec(R) Corporation at its annual gala on Saturday, May 22, 2004. The award will be presented to Thoratec for their efforts in pioneering cardiac device technology and spearheading the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of Destination Therapy, a permanent treatment option using Thoratec Corporation's HeartMate(R) XVE Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) for end-stage heart failure patients who are ineligible for heart transplants.

The gala event marks the official launch of UCLA Medical Center's Destination Therapy program. UCLA, one of the largest heart transplant centers in the country, is among the first cardiac centers in the nation to offer the procedure as a treatment option.

"We are encouraged by the significant progress that has been made in permanent heart pump implantation in the last few years," said Dr. Jon Kobashigawa, Medical Director, UCLA Heart Transplant Program. "We chose Thoratec to receive this year's award in order to recognize their leadership position in the continued advancement of cardiac technology and their commitment making a positive impact in the world of medicine and, ultimately, in the lives of patients who previously had little hope."

The HeartMate XVE is the first and only heart assist pump approved by the FDA for Destination Therapy. With more than 4,000 implants in 36 countries, the HeartMate(R) family is a recognized worldwide leader in circulatory support devices.

"We look forward to working with Thoratec and the continued development of innovative therapies in cardiovascular disease and organ failure," said Dr. Hillel Laks, Chief, UCLA Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Director of the Heart Transplant Program at UCLA. "Destination Therapy provides a promising alternative to transplantation for selected patients and we are thrilled to be able to offer this option to our patients."

Proceeds from the event will benefit research in cardiovascular disease and transplant medicine, as well as the Foundation's educational activities. Past recipients of the award include Domain Associates, LLC for their investment and support in biomedical research, which has significantly helped to advance promising new treatments and therapies and Scios, Inc. for the development of Natrecor(R), an exciting new drug therapy for acute heart failure patients.

The Gift of the Heart Foundation has also honored Whoopi Goldberg, Minnie Driver and Bonnie Hunt with the organization's "Heart of Gold" award for their sensitive portrayals of the issues surrounding transplantation and for helping to educate the public about the importance of organ and tissue donation.

About The Gift of the Heart Foundation

Established in 1999, the Gift of the Heart Foundation was founded by both UCLA doctors and transplant patients who were dedicated in advancing cardiovascular and transplant medicine. The Foundation is committed to furthering both clinical and basic research in cardiovascular disease, heart failure and transplantation, particularly as it relates to quality of life issues for patients. Renowned physicians and scientists have been instrumental in shaping the vision and goals of the organization as the Foundation strives to be a positive force in the medical community. For more information, visit the Foundation's web site at http://www.giftoftheheart.net/.

For further information, please contact Christine Sumbi of The Gift of the Heart Foundation, +1-310-825-8900; or Susan Benton, ext. 166, sbenton@fischerhealth.com, or Jennifer Chan, ext. 164, jchan@fischerhealth.com, both of FischerHealth, +1-310-577-7870, for The Gift of the Heart Foundation.

The Gift of the Heart Foundation

CONTACT: Christine Sumbi of The Gift of the Heart Foundation,+1-310-825-8900; or Susan Benton, ext. 166, sbenton@fischerhealth.com, orJennifer Chan, ext. 164, jchan@fischerhealth.com, both of FischerHealth,+1-310-577-7870, for The Gift of the Heart Foundation

Back to news