Thoratec Predicts More Rapid Uptake of HeartMate II With Final NCD

A Medicare national coverage decision issued Wednesday should spur uptake of Thoratec’s HeartMate II left ventricular assist device at additional cardiac care centers across the U.S., company officials say. The final NCD, which takes effect immediately, hews closely to an August draft. For LVADs used as a bridge to transplant, the memo clarifies that patients must be active on a transplant registry maintained by the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). 
Devices & Diagnostics Letter