NHS National Innovation Centre Estimates Sequana Medical's ALFApump® System Could Save the NHS £50 Million in ascites Care Annually

ZURICH, December 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

NHS National Innovation Centre supports the cost effectiveness of Sequana Medical's ALFApump System

Sequana Medical announced today the findings of an independent economic assessment of the ALFApump System commissioned by the National Innovation Centre, the NHS organization which supports innovators, commissioners, and clinicians to speed up the development and use of innovations that will benefit the NHS.

Brian Winn, Head of the National Innovation Centre, explains, "Sequana Medical's ALFApump System is a revolutionary fluid management solution for patients with ascites which could save the NHS significant amounts of money by eliminating the costs associated with repeat medical interventions whilst significantly improving patients' Quality of Life."

The ALFApump System is indicated for the management of refractory and recurrent ascites due to liver cirrhosis, a condition where massive and uncontrolled fluid accumulation occurs in the abdominal cavity. The fully implantable battery powered pump system slowly removes ascites as it forms by transferring it to the bladder where it is eliminated through normal urination.  This condition affects around 3,000 people in the UK a year.

Rajiv Jalan, Professor of Hepatology, UCL, and Honorary Consultant, Royal Free Hospital, London, comments, "The ALFApump System is an exciting innovation in the care of refractory ascites patients for whom current treatment options are very limited."  

Patients are typically managed with large-volume paracentesis, an invasive procedure in which the ascites is drained over a number of hours through a large needle inserted in the abdomen.

Dr Farzana Malik, Vice President of Market Access at Sequana Medical explains, "I am delighted that the National Innovation Centre has recognized the considerable economic benefits to the NHS offered by the ALFApump System. This is a unique technology that provides significant benefits for patients, clinicians and the NHS."

The ALFApump System was granted CE Mark in July 2011 and is currently being launched in leading hepatology centres across Europe by Sequana Medical.

About Sequana Medical:

Sequana Medical is a Swiss medical device company dedicated to improving patient lives through innovative technologies to manage fluid within the body.

Contact:
Sequana Medical
Emily Woodward
Product Marketing Manager
Emily.woodward@sequanamedical.com
Tel: +41-44-446-5074
http://www.sequanamedical.com