Introduction to Vitalmex’s Vitacor: A More Accessible Solution for Advanced Heart Failure
In a groundbreaking moment for Mexican medical science, Grupo Vitalmex has introduced Vitacor, the first ventricular assist device (VAD) designed, manufactured, and patented in Mexico after 25 years of uninterrupted research. This device aims to be a more accessible alternative to existing options in the market, potentially benefiting a larger number of patients.
A National Success Story: Positioning Mexico as a Biomédical Innovation Hub in Latin America
Presented to cardiologists, the event was emotionally charged, highlighting Vitacor as a testament to scientific and technological innovation. This achievement positions Mexico as a reference for biomédical innovation in Latin America, demonstrating that high-tech solutions can emerge from national talent.
Vitacor is an external, wearable device that provides circulatory support for patients with advanced heart failure. It can serve as a bridge to heart transplantation, aid in recovery, or offer a long-term solution. After verification in Canada and clinical trials at the Texas Heart Institute, Vitacor was recently approved by Mexico’s health regulator, Cofepris. Its unique feature is its ability to support left, right, or both ventricles, making it more accessible than foreign alternatives designed for high-resource economies.
Addressing a Critical Health Issue in Mexico
With 1.6 million people suffering from heart failure in Mexico, according to the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez (INCICH), Vitacor presents a viable solution for public and private hospitals. It has the potential to reduce health disparities in access to life-supporting technologies, especially in middle- and low-income countries.
The Dream of a Mexican Entrepreneur Now Reality
At 81, Jaime Cervantes Hernández, Vitalmex’s founder, moved attendees with a clear message: “Vitacor is not just a device; it’s a symbol. Created by Mexican hands, with Mexican intelligence, and fueled by love for life.” Since the 1980s, Cervantes envisioned a Mexico capable of producing its own medical technology, overcoming skepticism and obstacles. “They said it was easier to send a rocket to the moon from Xochimilco than to build an artificial heart in Mexico… today, that heart beats,” affirmed Dr. Moisés Calderón Abbo, a cardiothoracic surgeon and project participant since its inception.
Expert Opinions on Vitacor’s Impact
A panel of cardiovascular surgery experts emphasized Vitacor’s significance. Dr. Eduardo Herrera Garza, a heart failure specialist, stated: “We selected patients deemed unsuitable by the system. We gave them back their lives.” Dr. Óscar Ortega Durán praised Vitalmex’s ethics: “They never spared efforts for the patients’ well-being.” Dr. Francisco Morales Serrano affirmed: “Vitacor represents that science can be done in Mexico… and save lives worldwide.”
Jaime Cervantes Covarrubias, president of Vitalmex’s Board of Directors and the founder’s son, moderated the panel, emphasizing: “When the right people are committed to preserving life, science becomes humanized.” Antonio Buendía, Vitalmex’s CEO, pledged to expand Vitacor nationally and internationally while maintaining its affordability.
A Legacy of Innovation and Commitment
Vitalmex, nearing 50 years of experience, has driven transformations in Mexico’s healthcare system by pioneering comprehensive services and medical equipment rental models. Vitacor, their latest development, cements this legacy as an innovation-driven company backed by the Cervantes family and their commitment to Mexico.
During the event, a symbolic registration and commemorative sculpture of Mexico’s first artificial heart were presented to Cervantes. The atmosphere was charged with national emotion and pride, culminating in the closing message “en México sí se puede” (in Mexico, yes we can), emphasizing the impact of a proudly Mexican artificial heart in various regions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Vitacor? Vitacor is the first ventricular assist device (VAD) designed, manufactured, and patented in Mexico after 25 years of research. It’s an external, wearable device providing circulatory support for patients with advanced heart failure.
- Why is Vitacor significant? Vitacor positions Mexico as a biomédical innovation hub in Latin America, demonstrating that high-tech solutions can emerge from national talent. It’s more accessible than foreign alternatives, potentially benefiting a larger number of patients.
- What problem does Vitacor address in Mexico? With 1.6 million people suffering from heart failure, Vitacor offers a viable solution for public and private hospitals, potentially reducing health disparities in access to life-supporting technologies.
- Who is Jaime Cervantes Hernández? An 81-year-old entrepreneur and founder of Vitalmex, Cervantes envisioned a Mexico capable of producing its own medical technology. His dream is now realized with Vitacor.
- What do experts say about Vitacor? Cardiovascular surgery experts emphasize Vitacor’s potential to save lives and its ethical development by Vitalmex.
