Sunshine Heart Initiates Animal Study on Applicability of C-Pulse Technology in Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Sunshine Heart, Inc. (Nasdaq: SSH) announced today the commencement of a collaborative effort with Dr. Mark Slaughter and the University of Louisville to study the impact of the C-Pulse technology on the pulmonary circulation and right heart, specifically in the field of pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a debilitating condition characterized by progressive increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and loss of elasticity of the pulmonary artery and large vessels. Patients with PAH suffer from poor quality of life, shortness of breath and greatly reduced functional capacity leading to right ventricular dysfunction and ultimately, right heart failure. PAH afflicts approximately 200,000 patients worldwide and places a significant burden on the healthcare system, with limited treatment options available and 5 year survival rates as low as 34%1. PAH and right heart failure are also commonly associated with left heart failure. Approximately 50% of patients with systolic heart failure or preserved ejection fraction heart failure (HFpEF) have PAH with similar 5 year outcomes2. PAH and right heart failure also continue to remain a significant risk in the left ventricular assist device patient population3.These studies hope to provide scientific rationale for See full press release