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History

LIFEBRIDGE Medizintechnik has its origin in an idea and an initiative of three experts in different fields. On 26th January 1999, Michael Huf, then holding an executive position in one of the largest German cardiac centres, and Dr. Georg Matheis, a heart surgeon, scientist and friend, teamed up with the graduated engineer, Karsten Kirchhof, to establish LIFEBRIDGE Medizintechnik in Ampfing, Bavaria.

The company’s objective was to bring the heart-lung machine to the patient – anytime, anywhere and immediately.

Working closely with German and international Scientists and Physicians, the company developed LIFEBRIDGE^®, the world’s first portable heart-lung machine for use in emergency medical aid, in intensive care wards, and in heart catheter laboratories as well as for patient transport.

Already, 12 months after its launch, the LIFEBRIDGE^® is in use in more than 40 European clinics and has saved many human lives.

2007 – CE certification and test phase
30th December 2007 – The LIFEBRIDGE^® gains CE certification and thus meets all safety requirements for a portable emergency cardiopulmonary support system. A clinical study conducted for the CE approval process revealed the equivalence of the miniaturised portable cardiopulmonary support system to conventional heart-lung machines. Consequently, LIFEBRIDGE Medizintechnik has set a new global medical technology industry standard in emergency medical aid. Once the certification document was issued the clinical test phase started in selected German heart centres.

2008 – Market launch
23rd June 2008 – The LIFEBRIDGE^® is granted the “red dot” quality seal for exceptional design quality in the international red dot award: product design of 2008.

5th June 2008 – Within the context of the 2008 Bavarian Innovation Prize, Bavaria’s Prime Minister Dr. Günther Beckstein decorates LIFEBRIDGE Medizintechnik with a recognition award.

2009 – FDA clearance
24th January 2009 – Together with the Würzburg University Hospital, LIFEBRIDGE Medizintechnik is named finalist of the “Innovationspreis der Deutschen Wirtschaft” (innovation award of the German industry).

15th September 2009 – Quite unexpectedly, Michael Brieske, board member of LIFEBRIDGE Medizintechnik and esteemed by all, passes away at 44 years of age. Responsible for technological development and ongoing improvement of the LIFEBRIDGE^®, Michael Brieske was a driving force for the entire company. With Michael Brieske, our company has lost a true role model for employees as well as a professional partner for customers, suppliers, and science. The tragic loss of Michael Brieske tears a great hole. Our compassion is with him and his family.

17th October 2009 – LIFEBRIDGE Medizintechnik is awarded clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a portable heart-lung machine, the LIFEBRIDGE^® – a first for any manufacturer worldwide.