Abiomed said the FDA has approved its AB Portable Driver for cardiac patients who have been implanted with the AB5000 Circulatory Support System. Patients using the device can recover from heart surgery at home, instead of in the hospital.

The 35-pound rechargeable driver is equipped with a hand pump and power supply. The driver can operate up to 10 hours without recharging and includes a battery-gauge display that offers the user battery status displayed in hours and minutes. The AB Portable driver is the only U.S. approved portable console to provide this essential feature, Abiomed said.

The driver is 25 percent smaller and 15 percent lighter than current portable consoles on the market, allowing easier independent patient ambulation, in-hospital transfer or land/air transportation. It is also 50 percent quieter than current portable consoles on the market, maintaining a more unobtrusive operation and providing minimal distractions for patients and caregivers, the company said.

"The new AB Portable driver platform further strengthens Abiomed's portfolio for treating acute heart failure patients with profound cardiogenic shock, while allowing a greater degree of mobility and instant VAD support for the patient immediately after the procedure," said Michael R. Minogue, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Abiomed.

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