Thanks for your comments. Of course I am influenced by my investment, but that doesn't mean I'm blinded by it. That's why I continue to research the rest of the players in the sector.
Investments in these types of devices are of course speculative. I would liken them to a horse race. No doubt a number of these devices will eventually obtain approval. World Heart's initial production is slated for 2,000 devices maximum annually - a tiny fraction of the demand. I'm guessing that enough uncertainty will initially exist with respect to the overall desirability of a non-pulsatile device, that WHT should find a ready and willing market.
Obviously, if they cross the finish line first (which I think they will) then it's even easier. Remember, right now the only alternative is death for Class IV patients. Frankly, I'd take whatever device my clinic could get their hands on.
Right now, the most intriguing competitors, MicroMed and Apex, are not open to public investment. If they were, I might invest in all 3 as a hedge. Furthermore, who says you can't make money on the investment as you go along. I have sold and rebought 1/3 of my holdings in WHT a couple of times.
I don't think World Heart needs to worry about raising capital at the moment. They have enough to see them through the clinical trials, including reasonable delays. The only issue might be if they encountered lengthier delays (say a year or more). Then of course, all bets are off. If they succeed, I don't think raising capital to expand should be an issue.
Mindshare, you seem fairly knowledgeable about the DeBakey device. Are you a physician? You said cell damage levels are lower than some people believe. Do you draw this from the published literature, or have you spoken with the developers? You indicated before that you are not an investor in either MicroMed or World Heart, but you obviously have more than a passing interest in their progress. It would be helpful for me to know the context from which you write.
I think it is great to have this type of discussion on the thread. The more information and opinions we can share, the better. It's not surprising there would be some differences of opinion here - I think it mirrors the situation in the medical community. It would be great if more physicians would post. Likely there are a few reading the thread (I always hated the term "lurking" :-))
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