Alberox Products' 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 Inc., who is developing a family of implantable circulatory assist devices, including the HVAD ventricular assist device, aimed at treating patients with congestive heart failure. HeartWare's clinical trial commenced with the first human implant performed on March 22, 2006.

Alberox Products' ceramic feed-thrus are comprised of 100% biocompatabile, corrosion-resistant materials, which makes them ideal for use implantable circulatory assist devices. 100% leak inspection is offered on completed feed-thrus. As HeartWare Inc. HVAD device, the smallest 3rd generation circulatory assist device available, has a volume of only 45cc, it is essential that these feed-thrus complement the design. The superior electrical properties of the alumina ceramic and Alberox Products' application engineering expertise allow for the development of smaller feed-thrus. These ceramic-to-metal seal assemblies 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.

SOURCE: Morgan Advanced Ceramics