Our History

1989

Terumo Corporation selects Tetsuzo Akutsu, M.D., Ph.D., co-developer of the world’s first total artificial heart, to lead its Research and Development division.

1991

Cardiac surgeon and researcher Chisato Nojiri, M.D., Ph.D., is chosen by Tetsuzo Akutsu, M.D., Ph.D., to head a cardiac assist team at Terumo Corporation.

1994

Dr. Nojiri works with her team at Terumo’s Research and Development Center and NTN Corporation to complete research on a new ventricular assist system. The system uses a centrifugal pump with magnetic levitation to minimize friction in the blood chamber.

1995

The research project joins the Japanese National Project for the development of implantable artificial hearts funded by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

1997

In March of this year, animal studies begin to test the biocompatibility and durability of Terumo’s test pump. The prototype proves successful, setting a new experimental record in circulatory support by sustaining blood flow for 864 days.

2000

Terumo Corporation forms a new U.S. Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) division to bring its experimental LVAS from prototype through product realization.

2003

On January 1, 2003, Terumo Heart, Inc. (THI) becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Terumo Corporation. THI is formed to complete development of the DuraHeart LVAS.

2004

THI launches its first human clinical trial in Germany on January 15, 2004. The primary objective of the trial is to test the safety and performance of the DuraHeart LVAS in the treatment of end-stage heart failure.

2007

The DuraHeart LVAS receives CE Mark in Europe.

2008

The Japan DuraHeart Trial completes enrollment.

2009

Pivotal DuraHeart SUSTAIN Bridge-to-Transplant Trial enrolls patients in U.S. European post-market study concludes. First European patient reaches four-year milestone living with DuraHeart.

2010

Second European patient reaches four-year milestone living with DuraHeart. THI receives U.S. FDA approval of its Investigational Device Exemption to begin a Destination Therapy clinical trial in the U.S. Company announces shift in strategic focus away from DT trial to greatly accelerate development of its next-generation mechanical circulatory support device.

2010

DuraHeart receives commercial approval in Japan on December 8, 2010.

Dedicated to improving lives

Terumo Heart, Inc. is dedicated to the innovation, introduction and advancement of products to improve the quality of healthcare for heart failure patients.

Our principal focus is the development, clinical evaluation and commercialization of the DuraHeart Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS).

The DuraHeart system is designed to provide long-term circulatory support and address the shortage of donor hearts for cardiac transplantation. Combining patented magnetic-levitation and centrifugal pump technologies, the DuraHeart’s proprietary blood-friendly design helps decrease complications and improve the lives of patients with severe heart failure.

Terumo Heart, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Terumo Corporation with headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

OUR MISSION

Terumo Heart, Inc. partners with physicians, healthcare professionals, hospitals and patients to deliver superior solutions for treating heart failure. The company strives to ensure that its world-class products, services and professional business practices maintain these principles:

COOPERATION

We work to create an environment of cooperation between associates, clinicians and patients by quickly responding to evolving needs and desires.

RESPECT

We work to show respect to all those we encounter and achieve respect from all those we serve.

COMPASSION

We care about the well-being of our patients, associates and society as a whole.

CONSISTENCY

We make all efforts to do what we say and maintain the highest levels of quality and reliability.

INTEGRITY

We uphold the highest standards for honesty and ethics in our communications, behaviors and actions.

SUCCESS

We aim to achieve financial strength to support the continual advancement of knowledge and technology to best serve our customers