Picard Medical Showcases Total Artificial Heart Innovations at Heart Failure Conference

SynCardia's next-generation Emperor system highlighted in scientific and educational presentations

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Picard Medical, the parent company of SynCardia Systems, announced that Dr. Andre Simon, Vice President of Clinical Affairs, will deliver three presentations at the upcoming Technology and Heart Failure Therapeutics (THT) 2026 conference in Boston. The presentations will focus on SynCardia's current Total Artificial Heart (STAH) as well as the company's next-generation fully implantable Emperor system, showcasing Picard Medical's leadership in advanced mechanical circulatory support.

Why it matters

Total artificial heart therapy is an evolving field, with the goal of not just survival, but meaningful recovery, improved quality of life, and preservation of transplant opportunity for patients with end-stage heart failure. Picard Medical's participation at the prestigious THT conference demonstrates the company's commitment to scientific exchange, physician education, and innovation in next-generation artificial heart technology.

The details

Dr. Simon's presentations will cover early laboratory and preclinical data on the Emperor system, which is designed to preserve the proven physiologic performance of the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart while eliminating transdermal pneumatic drivelines to enable improved mobility, quality of life, and long-term patient independence. He will also discuss the future evolution of total artificial heart therapy, including clinical priorities such as earlier intervention, organ recovery, improved patient selection, and the transition from bridge to transplant toward durable long-term support. Additionally, Dr. Simon will highlight updated registry analyses showing that outcomes with the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart extend beyond survival to include stabilization, organ recovery, functional improvement, and preservation of transplant eligibility.

  • The THT 2026 conference will be held from March 2nd to March 4th, 2026 in Boston.
  • Dr. Simon's presentations will take place on Monday, March 2nd (4:15 PM EST), Tuesday, March 3rd (3:28 PM EST), and Wednesday, March 4th (8:50 AM EST).

The players

Picard Medical, Inc.

The parent company of SynCardia Systems LLC, maker of the world's first total artificial heart approved by both the U.S. FDA and Health Canada.

SynCardia Systems LLC

The Tucson, Arizona-based leader with the only commercially available total artificial heart technology for patients with end-stage heart failure.

Dr. Andre Simon

The Vice President of Clinical Affairs at Picard Medical, who will be delivering the presentations at the THT 2026 conference.

Cardiovascular Research Foundation

The organization that is sponsoring the Technology and Heart Failure Therapeutics (THT) 2026 conference.

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What they’re saying

“Total artificial heart therapy continues to evolve through both clinical experience and technological innovation. Our goal is not only survival, but meaningful recovery, improved quality of life, and preservation of transplant opportunity.”

— Dr. Andre Simon, Vice President of Clinical Affairs, Picard Medical (Press Release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Picard Medical's participation at the THT 2026 conference demonstrates the company's ongoing commitment to advancing total artificial heart technology, with a focus on improving patient outcomes, quality of life, and the transition to long-term support.