FDA Approves World’s First Device for Treatment of Premature Babies and Newborns with an Opening in Their Hearts (a Common Congenital Defect) – Jan 14, 2019

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder, the world’s first medical device that can be implanted in the tiniest…

Source: abbott.mediaroom.com

Abbott Laboratories has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder, the world’s first medical device that can be implanted in babies – weighing as little as 2 pounds. This tool is designed to treat babies with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) — one of the most common heart defects in premature infants. The device is smaller than a small pea and can be offered for newborns that need corrective heart treatment. According to Abbott, 1 in 5 low birth weight babies suffer from this condition totaling 12,000 infants a year.