Pioneering Total Artificial Heart Solutions for Advanced Heart Failure Patients
In this insightful conversation with Biz Tech Outlook, SynCardia Systems, LLC opens up about their journey from a groundbreaking NIH initiative to a life-saving leader in artificial heart technology—and what the future holds for advanced heart failure patients.
Could you share the inspiration and vision that led to the company’s establishment?
The establishment of SynCardia Systems, LLC in 2021 was driven by a bold vision: to transform the care of patients with end-stage biventricular heart failure—a population for whom traditional treatments and even left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) often fall short. This vision is rooted in one of the earliest U.S. biomedical “moonshot” initiatives—an NIH-backed national program in the 1960s aimed at developing a fully implantable Total Artificial Heart (TAH). Paralleling the ambition of the Apollo space race, this federally supported effort laid the foundation for modern artificial heart technology through the pioneering work of Dr. Domingo Liotta, Dr. Michael DeBakey, and Dr. Robert Jarvik. SynCardia was established to refine, commercialize, and expand the clinical utility of the CardioWest Total Artificial Heart—a high-output, biventricular replacement device and a direct descendant of that early NIH program—transforming it from a research milestone into a practical, FDA-approved treatment option. Under the leadership of innovators like Dr. Jack Copeland at the University of Arizona, the technology evolved from a laboratory concept into a clinically viable bridge-to- transplant solution, achieving the highest transplant success rates among all mechanical circulatory support devices.
That vision expanded further with the introduction of the Companion 2 (C2) Driver System, a compact, modern, hospital-based driver that replaced the original 600 lb “Big Blue” console. The C2 Driver’s smaller footprint significantly improved patient mobility within clinical environments and was followed by the development of the Freedom Portable Driver, which enabled patients not only to survive on the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart (STAH) but to achieve mobility, independence, and quality of life outside the hospital – to reclaim their lives while awaiting transplant.
SynCardia’s mission goes beyond survival—we seek to restore independence, dignity, and quality of life. In this way, SynCardia continues to carry forward the spirit of that original moonshot—pushing the boundaries of science and engineering to extend human life and potential. Today, SynCardia stands at the forefront of total heart replacement, having provided a lifeline to more than 2,100 patients worldwide, ranging in age from 8 to 80 years old. With an average support time of 140 days, the STAH has collectively extended life by more than 297,000 days and counting. More importantly, the STAH remains the only commercially available, FDA-approved, and Health Canada–approved total artificial heart, and continues to be the only clinically viable option for patients with end-stage biventricular heart failure who require complete heart replacement therapy. Looking ahead, SynCardia is continuing to advance innovation with the development of a fully implantable version of the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart, reinforcing its commitment to providing life-saving solutions for the most critically ill heart failure patients around the world.
Could you share a success story that highlights the life-changing impact of SynCardia?
There are many success stories, and it’s hard to single out just one. The SynCardia Total Artificial Heart (STAH) has been used in adults, the elderly, and pediatric patients, ranging in age from 8 to 80 years old. In fact, today the longest duration of STAH support on record is over 7 years and counting, a testament to its durability and life- sustaining capability.
One particularly powerful example is the story of Charles Okeke, a young father diagnosed with end-stage biventricular heart failure. At just 30 years old, Charles faced imminent heart failure and became one of the first patients in the United States to receive the STAH as a bridge to transplant. Initially tethered to a hospital-based driver system, he spent nearly two years confined to a hospital room. But in a groundbreaking advancement, Charles was transitioned to the Freedom Portable Driver, allowing him to leave the hospital, return home to his family, and reclaim his independence—all while being fully supported by the artificial heart.
Eventually, Charles received a successful heart transplant. His journey captured national attention, including coverage on NBC Nightly News, and remains a defining example of how SynCardia’s technology can not only extend life but dramatically improve quality of life and restore dignity and purpose for patients facing critical heart failure.
How does SynCardia approach collaborations with healthcare providers and research institutions?
Collaboration is central to SynCardia’s mission and growth strategy. The company partners with leading healthcare providers, transplant centers, and academic institutions to advance the science and clinical application of total heart replacement therapy. These relationships are critical to expanding indications, improving outcomes, and driving ongoing innovation across SynCardia’s technology platforms. Working closely with its network of certified implanting centers, including Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, Cedars-Sinai, Vanderbilt Mount Sinai Medical Center, and UCSF, SynCardia provides comprehensive training, clinical resources, and real-time support to ensure seamless integration of the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart (STAH) into advanced heart failure care.
We also support research grants, investigator-led studies, and participate in scientific meetings and academic symposia, partnering with thought leaders to share insights and advance the field of mechanical circulatory support.
Recognizing the importance of holistic care, SynCardia also partners with Unique Beating Hearts (UBH), a dedicated patient and caregiver support network that connects individuals living with the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart. UBH helps foster community, shared experiences, and provides practical support for patients and families navigating life with advanced mechanical heart failure therapy.
What are SynCardia’s primary goals and objectives for the next five years?
Over the next five years, SynCardia is focused on advancing a bold innovation agenda that builds on its legacy as the leader in total heart replacement therapy. At the forefront of this strategy is the company’s next-generation platform, codenamed “Emperor”—a fully implantable version of the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart (STAH) that eliminates the need for external pneumatic drivers. Emperor represents a transformational leap in artificial heart technology, designed to deliver greater freedom, comfort, and quality of life for patients, while streamlining clinical management and enhancing system performance. SynCardia is actively aiming for the commercial launch of Emperor, positioning it as a next-generation standard of care in mechanical circulatory support.
In parallel, SynCardia is pursuing regulatory label expansions for the STAH to broaden clinical access across key patient populations, including Bridge to Candidacy (BTC), long-term (LT, formally known as Destination Therapy), and pediatric indications. These expanded indications will ensure more patients with end-stage biventricular heart failure have access to life-saving therapy when other options are not viable.
Additionally, SynCardia is working to expand international market access, targeting regulatory approvals in Europe and Asia, among other global regions. This global expansion strategy is aimed at ensuring that more patients, regardless of geography, can benefit from the unique capabilities of the STAH. Together, these initiatives reflect SynCardia’s commitment to innovation, global impact, and improving patient outcomes—continuing its mission to deliver life-saving solutions for the most critically ill heart failure patients around the world.
How has the Freedom Portable Driver device impacted patient quality of life and recovery times?
The Freedom Portable Driver has significantly improved patient quality of life and recovery times by enabling greater mobility, independence, and hospital discharge for individuals using the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart. Unlike traditional hospital- bound pneumatic drivers, the Freedom Driver allows patients to return home, engage in daily activities, and participate in physical rehabilitation, all of which enhance physical conditioning and emotional well-being. This increased autonomy contributes to better psychological health, reducing anxiety and depression commonly associated with long hospital stays. Additionally, the device allows for shorter inpatient stays, lowering the risk of hospital-acquired complications and reducing healthcare costs. Patients using the Freedom Driver often arrive at heart transplantation in better physical condition, improving post-transplant outcomes. Clinical feedback also reveals higher activity levels, and greater patient satisfaction, making the Freedom Driver a pivotal advancement in artificial heart support. To date, Freedom Driver usage has logged nearly 400 years of support time, with the longest individual case exceeding seven years and counting.
Give us a synopsis about the founder and the team behind your success.
The roots of SynCardia trace back to Dr. Jack G. Copeland, a pioneering cardiac surgeon at the University of Arizona, and Dr. Marvin J. Slepian, a cardiologist, biomedical engineer, and professor. They were both instrumental in bringing the Jarvik 7 Total Artificial Heart into practical use and later contributed to the design and clinical application of the CardioWest TAH, which became the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart.
“Providing New Hope with Total Artificial Heart Technology”
“Innovating Cardiac Care with Life-Saving Artificial Hearts”
“Empowering Lives Through Advanced Heart Replacement Solutions”
Company Name : SynCardia Systems, LLC
Website : https://syncardia.com
Management Team
Patrick NJ Schnegelsberg | Chief Executive Officer
Matthew Schuster | Chief Operating Officer
