Better quality of life for patients suffering from advanced liver disease

Sequana Medical announced that Giorgio Enrico Gerunda from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia has implanted Italy’s first two patients with the alfapump system. The alfapump system is a fully implantable battery-powered pump that is designed to remove excess abdominal fluid, known as ascites, that collects in patients suffering from advanced liver disease.

The current standard treatment for refractory ascites (ascites that does not respond to medication or a salt-restricted diet) is large-volume paracentesis, an invasive procedure in which the ascites is drained over a number of hours through a large-bore needle inserted in the abdomen. However, paracentesis has to be repeated frequently, often every 7-10 days.

“The alfapump system is a very interesting technology, because it is quite simple to implant with a hospitalization period of two to three days, and ensures the controlled flow of ascites to the bladder. Patients experience minimal discomfort, and enjoy a significantly improved quality of life as they are no longer required to be admitted to hospital on a weekly or monthly basis for paracentesis,” commented Professor Giorgio Enrico Gerunda of Modena Liver Transplant Centre.

The alfapump system helps patients avoid the profound discomfort of chronic ascites accumulation. Many patients have reported an increased appetite, enabling them to improve their nutrition, which is often critical in helping to manage their underlying disease.

“We are delighted to be working with the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia”, stated Noel L. Johnson, Ph.D, President and CEO of Zug based Sequana Medical. “The alfapump system benefits patients, physicians and the healthcare system, and has the potential to become the new standard of care for the management of refractory ascites.”