The company plans to now incorporate the CPC1 “Connector Covers” into its TAH design. It developed this feature to provide comfort during daily activities, while reinforcing system safety and reliability. 

Tucson, Arizona-based Picard said the CPC Connector Covers provide an extra layer of protection over the metal release buttons found on the TAH CPC connectors. These externally connect SynCardia drivers to the artificial heart’s two pneumatic drive cannulas.

Picard expects to integrate the new feature and begin its rollout into standard clinical practices in the U.S. on Jan. 15.