Tag: 3BL

Abbott

Just a week before the pro football draft, Abbott held a high-profile draft day experience for our HeartMates program. Hosted by Abbott, professional football player and heart health advocate Damar Hamlin and Tedy Bruschi, a three-time pro league champion, Abbott HeartMates Draft Day recognized 11 people and their caregivers from across the United States who have come back from serious cardiovascular conditions and made them official members of the Abbott HeartMates team.

Hamlin and Bruschi know a thing or two about comebacks – as well as the importance of heart health and having support from a team. When Hamlin experienced a cardiac event during a game in 2023, his teammates, family and medical team had his back like true MVPs. And in 2005, Bruschi experienced a stroke caused by a hole in his heart. After receiving an Abbott Amplatzer device, he was able to rejoin his team just months later and was named the 2005 Comeback Player of the Year.

“Draft Day was one of the most exciting and memorable days of my life,” Hamlin said. “Today I am inspired by the amazing bravery and resilience of each of the Abbott HeartMates and hope they feel just as I did on the day I was drafted.”

“Anyone can be impacted by a heart condition,” Bruschi said. “That’s why it is so important to not only raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of heart disease, stroke and other ailments, but also share diverse stories of survivor comeback journeys.”

The celebration kicked off at the New York Stock Exchange, where draftees joined Hamlin and cardiovascular experts from Abbott on the trading-floor podium to ring the iconic opening bell. Later in the day, HeartMates and their guests, along with Abbott employees and media, gathered at a special venue for a one-of-a-kind event that captured the excitement and ceremony of a professional sports draft.

Hamlin and Bruschi introduced each Heartmate from the stage, telling the story of how they discovered their heart condition and what it took for them to make their comeback. In practically every case, the support and sense of community each person received from their team of family members, friends and medical professionals were significant factors in spurring their recovery.

After being recognized onstage, each HeartMate received a personalized team jersey and signed a contract in which they committed to inspiring others with their stories.

“Our HeartMates reflect a broad scope of the population impacted by cardio conditions,” said Nadim Geloo, M.D., senior director of medical affairs in Abbott’s Structural Heart business. “We have HeartMates who are experiencing heart failure and are on the list to receive a heart transplant, those who were born with holes in their hearts that didn’t close on the own, and people from many backgrounds and age ranges. Their stories offer hope and solidarity to so many people around the country and the world.”

The inaugural Abbott HeartMates team includes the following heart-health champions.

Michael Brafi, a college football player from Woodbury, N.Y., experienced sudden cardiac arrest similar to Hamlin but caused by a previously undiagnosed heart defect. Brafi met Hamlin at a HeartMates event at his hospital, and the two bonded over their shared experience.

Lakeisha Brown, a wife and mother of four daughters and owner of a catering business in Houston, started experiencing discomfort in her chest in 2018. After seeing several doctors and receiving a pacemaker defibrillator, her condition continued to deteriorate into heart failure. Brown received a HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and is now back to living her life to the fullest.

Tony Daly, aka “Little Tony,” lives in Las Vegas. As a premature infant born at 26 weeks and six days, he was the first person to receive Abbott’s Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder to close a hole in his heart. Thanks to this life-saving procedure, Daly is now thriving and loves tennis, soccer and excels at school.

Chris Donges of Wilmington, Del., experienced heart failure when he was 30 years old. After a prolonged hospital stay that included a medically induced coma, he received a HeartMate 3 LVAD. Donges will be marrying his long-time fiancé Meghan in October, whom he was dating at the time, and the couple has two young children.

Brody Lambert, a father of four with his own construction company and a small farm in Provo, Utah, has overcome several conditions, undergone a heart transplant and has a HeartMate II LVAD. Most recently, Lambert was enrolled in the clinical trial for the TriClip G4 system, Abbott’s minimally invasive device for repairing leaky tricuspid valves, which was approved by the FDA in early April.

MacKenzie Maddry has overcome a lot in her 17 years. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 14, Maddry underwent 21 cycles of chemotherapy. This intense treatment, coupled with multiple surgeries and infections, put her cancer in remission but led to heart failure. Maddry received a HeartMate 3 LVAD device in 2022 and was the first pediatric patient discharged from her hospital with an LVAD. She has since returned to her high school studies in Bella Vista, Ark., had another leg reconstruction surgery and is looking forward to being listed for a heart transplant.

Ezekiel “Zeke” Mankins was first Abbott HeartMates draftee and was featured on NBC Nightly News. At age 12 Mankins had open heart surgery and received an Abbott Masters mechanical heart valve to repair a leaking mitral valve, and he’s now a star on his high school track team in Midlothian, Texas. He is also an accomplished trombonist and aspiring pilot.

Alicia Nicoletti was in a car accident at age 22 that severely injured her heart and eventually lead to heart failure. In 2021, Nicoletti was implanted with the CardioMEMS HF System that allows her medical team to remotely monitor her pulmonary artery pressure and intervene if necessary. Now almost 20 years after her accident, Nicoletti is living in Wantagh, N.Y., successfully managing her heart failure and educating others about the condition.

Karen Pekowitz is a mother and teacher from Wellesley, Mass., who received her first pacemaker when she was just 19 years old. Earlier this year she became the first person in Massachusetts to receive an AVEIR DR, the world’s first dual chamber leadless pacemaker system.

Leonardo Rodriguez grew up in New York City and enjoyed all it had to offer – but not always with heart health in mind. Rodriguez developed heart disease in his early 50s and received his first stent at age 54. Taking his doctor’s advice to heart, he immediately adopted healthier habits and has a new lease on life.

Seth Wharton of LaVale, Md., had his first heart surgery, necessary to treat his severe aortic stenosis, when he was just 1 month old. After a battery of additional operations and treatments, Wharton went on to become a college basketball player, a father of four and a Guinness World Record holder for the longest survivor of an artificial double heart valve replacement – both of which were Abbott valves.

About Abbott HeartMates

The Abbott HeartMates program celebrates the bravery in those with cardiovascular conditions, the teams of families, friends and caregivers who support them, and the heroes providing the medical care need to help people make their comeback. By creating a community in which members can share stories, connect with others going through similar heart-health journeys and receive emotional support, Abbott and program ambassador Damar Hamlin hope to inspire people and ensure that no one faces these health challenges alone. Rounding out the team is a lineup of Abbott cardio experts to provide knowledge and resources in language that’s easy to understand.

Throughout the year, Hamlin and Abbott will visit hospitals around the country to recruit new HeartMates, host virtual huddles and share exclusive content that’s only available to teammates.

For more information about HeartMates, visit HeartMates.Abbott.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CARDIOMEMS™ HF SYSTEM

AVEIR™ DR

AMPLATZER PICCOLOTM OCCLUDER

Rx Only

The Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder is a percutaneous, transcatheter occlusion device intended for the nonsurgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Weight < 700 grams at time of the procedure; Age < 3 days at time of procedure; Coarctation of the aorta; Left pulmonary artery stenosis; Cardiac output that is dependent on right to left shunt through the PDA due to pulmonary hypertension; Intracardiac thrombus that may interfere with the implant procedure; Active infection requiring treatment at the time of implant; Patients with a PDA length smaller than 3 mm; Patients with a PDA diameter that is greater than 4 mm at the narrowest portion.

POTENTIAL ADVERSE EVENTS

Potential adverse events that may occur during or after a procedure using this device may include, but are not limited to: Air embolus, Allergic reaction, Anemia, Anesthesia reactions, Apnea, Arrhythmia, Bleeding, Cardiac perforation, Cardiac tamponade, Chest pain, Device embolization, Device erosion, Death, Endocarditis, Fever, Headache/migraine, Hemolysis, Hematoma, Hypertension, Hypotension, Infection, Myocardial infarction, Palpitations, Partial obstruction of aorta, Partial obstruction of pulmonary artery, Pericardial effusion, Pericarditis, Peripheral embolism, Pleural effusion, Pulmonary embolism, Re-intervention for device removal, Respiratory distress, Stroke, Thrombus, Transient ischemic attack, Valvular regurgitation, Vascular access site injury, Vascular occlusion, Vessel perforation.

HEARTMATE 3

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions For Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

Indications: The HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System is indicated for providing short- and long-term mechanical circulatory support (e.g., as bridge to transplant or myocardial recovery, or destination therapy) in adult and pediatric patients with advanced refractory left ventricular heart failure and with an appropriate body surface area.

Contraindications: The HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System is contraindicated for patients who cannot tolerate, or who are allergic to, anticoagulation therapy.

Adverse Events: Adverse events that may be associated with the use of the HeartMate 3™ Left Ventricular Assist System are: death, bleeding, cardiac arrhythmia, localized infection, right heart failure, respiratory failure, device malfunctions, driveline infection, renal dysfunction, sepsis, stroke, other neurological event (not stroke-related), hepatic dysfunction, psychiatric episode, venous thromboembolism, hypertension, arterial non-central nervous system (CNS) thromboembolism, pericardial fluid collection, pump pocket or pseudo pocket infection, myocardial infarction, wound dehiscence, hemolysis (not associated with suspected device thrombosis) or pump thrombosis.

HEARTMATE II LVAD

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions For Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

Indications: The HeartMate II™ Left Ventricular Assist System is indicated for use as a “bridge to transplantation” for cardiac transplant candidates who are at risk of imminent death from non-reversible left ventricle failure. It is also indicated for use in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IIIB or IV end-stage left ventricular failure, who have received optimal medical therapy for at least 45 of the last 60 days, and who are not candidates for cardiac transplantation. The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System is intended for use both inside and outside of the hospital, or for transportation of Left Ventricular Assist Device patients via ground ambulance, airplane, or helicopter.

Contraindications: The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System is contraindicated for patients who cannot tolerate, or who are allergic to, anticoagulationtherapy.

Adverse Events: Adverse events that may be associated with the use of the HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System are listed below. Adverse events are listed in decreasing order of frequency, except for death, which appears first because it is a non-reversible complication:Death, Bleeding (perioperative or late), Cardiac arrhythmia, Local infection, Respiratory failure, Device malfunction, Sepsis, Right heart failure, Driveline or pump pocket infection, Renal failure, Stroke, Neurologic dysfunction, Psychiatric episode, Peripheral thromboembolic event, Hemolysis, Hepatic dysfunction, Device thrombosis, Myocardial infarction.

TRICLIP™ G4 SYSTEM

Rx Only

INDICATIONS

The TriClip™ G4 System is indicated for improving quality of life and functional status in patients with symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation despite optimal medical therapy, who are at intermediate or greater risk for surgery and in whom transcatheter edge-to-edge valve repair is clinically appropriate and is expected to reduce tricuspid regurgitation severity to moderate or less, as determined by a multidisciplinary heart team.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The TriClip G4 System is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: Intolerance, including allergy or untreatable hypersensitivity, to procedural anticoagulation; Untreatable hypersensitivity to implant components (nickel-titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy); Active endocarditis or other active infection of the tricuspid valve. POTENTIAL

ADVERSE EVENTS

The following events have been identified as possible complications of the TriClip™ G4 Procedure. Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to latex, contrast agent, anaesthesia, device materials and drug reactions to anticoagulation, or antiplatelet drugs; Additional treatment / surgery from device-related complications; Bleeding; Blood disorders (including coagulopathy, hemolysis, and Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)); Cardiac arrhythmias (including conduction disorders, atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias); Cardiac ischemic conditions (including myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, and unstable / stable angina); Cardiac perforation; Cardiac tamponade; Chest pain; Death; Dyspnea; Edema; Embolization (device or components of the device); Endocarditis; Fever or hyperthermia; Fluoroscopy, Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) -related complications: Skin injury or tissue changes due to exposure to ionizing radiation, Esophageal irritation, Esophageal perforation, Gastrointestinal bleeding; Hypotension / hypertension; Infection including: Septicemia; Nausea / vomiting; Pain; Pericardial effusion; Stroke / Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA); System organ failure: Cardio-respiratory arrest, Worsening heart failure, Pulmonary congestion, Respiratory dysfunction / failure / atelectasis, Renal insufficiency or failure, Shock (including cardiogenic and anaphylactic); Thrombosis; Tricuspid valve complications, which may complicate or prevent later surgical repair, including: Chordal entanglement / rupture, Single Leaflet Device Attachment (SLDA), Dislodgement of previously implanted devices, Tissue damage, Tricuspid valve stenosis, Worsening, Persistent or residual regurgitation; Vascular access complications which may require additional intervention, including: Wound dehiscence, Bleeding of the access site, Arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm, aneurysm, dissection, perforation / rupture, vascular occlusion, Embolism (air, thrombus), Peripheral nerve injury; Venous thromboembolism (including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). CAUTION: Product(s) intended for use by or under the direction of a physician. Prior to use, reference to the Instructions for Use, inside the product carton (when available) or at https://www.eifu.abbott/ for more detailed information on Indications, Contraindications, Warnings, Precautions and Adverse Events.

MASTERS SERIES MECHANICAL HEART VALVE

Rx Only

Indications for Use

The SJM™ Masters Series Mechanical Heart Valve is intended for use as a replacement valve in patients with a diseased, damaged, or malfunctioning aortic or mitral heart valve. This device may also be used to replace a previously implanted mitral or aortic prosthetic valve.

Contraindications

The SJM™ Masters Series Mechanical Heart Valve is contraindicated for individuals unable to tolerate anticoagulation therapy.

Potential Adverse Events

Complications associated with replacement mechanical heart valves include, but are not limited to, hemolysis, infections, thrombus, or thromboembolism, valve dehiscence, unacceptable hemodynamic performance, hemorrhagic complications secondary to anticoagulation therapy, prosthetic failure, failure or death. Any of these complications may require reoperation or explantation of the device.

CARDIOMEMS™ HF SYSTEM

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

CardioMEMS™ HF System Indications and Usage: The CardioMEMS HF System is indicated for wirelessly measuring and monitoring pulmonary artery pressure and heart rate in NYHA Class II or III heart failure patients who either have been hospitalized for heart failure in the previous year and/or have elevated natriuretic peptides. The hemodynamic data are used by physicians for heart failure management with the goal of controlling pulmonary artery pressures and reducing heart failure hospitalizations.

CardioMEMS HF System Contraindications: The CardioMEMS HF System is contraindicated for patients with an inability to take dual antiplatelet or anticoagulants for one month post implant.

CardioMEMS HF System Adverse Events: Potential adverse events associated with the implantation procedure include, but are not limited to, the following: air embolism, allergic reaction, infection, delayed wound healing, arrhythmias, bleeding, hemoptysis, hematoma, nausea, cerebrovascular accident, thrombus, cardiovascular injury, myocardial infarction, death, embolization, thermal burn, cardiac perforation, pneumothorax, thoracic duct injury and hemothorax.

myCardioMEMS™ Mobile App Limitations: Patients must use their own Apple‡ or Android‡ mobile device to receive and transmit information to the myCardioMEMS Mobile App. To do so the device must be powered on, app must be installed and data coverage (cellular or Wi-Fi‡) available. The myCardioMEMS App can provide notification of medication adjustments and reminders, requests for lab work and acknowledgement that the PA pressure readings have been received. However there are many internal and external factors that can hinder, delay, or prevent acquisition and delivery of the notifications and patient information as intended by the clinician. These factors include: patient environment, data services, mobile device operating system and settings, clinic environment, schedule/configuration changes, or data processing.

AVEIR™ DR

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

Indications: The Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker system is indicated for management of one or more of the following permanent conditions: Syncope, Pre-syncope, Fatigue, Disorientation. Rate-modulated pacing is indicated for patients with chronotropic incompetence, and for those who would benefit from increased stimulation rates concurrent with physical activity. Dual-chamber pacing is indicated for patients exhibiting: Sick sinus syndrome, Chronic, symptomatic second- and third-degree AV block, Recurrent Adams-Stokes syndrome, Symptomatic bilateral bundle-branch block when tachyarrhythmia and other causes have been ruled out. Atrial pacing is indicated for patients with: Sinus node dysfunction and normal AV and intraventricular conduction systems. Ventricular pacing is indicated for patients with: Significant bradycardia and normal sinus rhythm with only rare episodes of AV block or sinus arrest, Chronic atrial fibrillation, Severe physical disability.

Intended Use: The Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker (LP) is designed to provide bradycardia pacing as a pulse generator with built-in battery and electrodes for implantation in the right ventricle and/or right atrium. The LP is intended to provide sensing of intrinsic cardiac signals and delivery of cardiac pacing therapy within the implanted chamber for the target treatment group. The LP is also intended to operate optionally with another co-implanted LP to provide dual-chamber pacing therapy.

The Aveir™ Delivery Catheter is intended to be used in the peripheral vasculature and the cardiovascular system to deliver and manipulate an LP. Delivery and manipulation includes implanting an LP within the target chamber of the heart.

Contraindications: Use of the Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker is contraindicated in these cases:

Use of any pacemaker is contraindicated in patients with a co-implanted ICD because high-voltage shocks could damage the pacemaker and the pacemaker could reduce shock effectiveness.Single-chamber ventricular demand pacing is relatively contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated pacemaker syndrome, have retrograde VA conduction, or suffer a drop in arterial blood pressure with the onset of ventricular pacing.Programming of rate-responsive pacing is contraindicated in patients with intolerance of high sensor driven rates.Use is contraindicated in patients with an implanted vena cava filter or mechanical tricuspid valve because of interference between these devices and the delivery system during implantation.Persons with known history of allergies to any of the components of this device may suffer an allergic reaction to this device. Prior to use on the patient, the patient should be counseled on the materials (listed in the Product Materials section of the IFU) contained in the device and a thorough history of allergies must be discussed.

Adverse Events: Potential complications associated with the use of the Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker system are the same as with the use of single or dual chamber pacemakers with active fixation pacing leads including, but not limited to: Cardiac perforation, Cardiac tamponade, Pericardial effusion, Pericarditis, Valve damage and/or regurgitation, Heart failure, Pneumothorax/hemothorax, Cardiac arrhythmias, Diaphragmatic/phrenic nerve stimulation / extra-cardiac stimulation, Palpitations, Hypotension, Syncope, Cerebrovascular accident, Infection, Hypersensitivity reaction to device materials, contrast media, medications, or direct toxic effect of contrast media on kidney function, Pacemaker syndrome, Inability to interrogate or program the LP due to programmer or LP malfunction, Intermittent or complete loss of pacing and/or sensing due to dislodgement or mechanical malfunction of the LP (non-battery related), Loss of capture or sensing due to embolization or fibrotic tissue response at the electrode, Increased capture threshold, Inappropriate sensor response, Interruption of desired LP function due to electrical interference, either electromyogenic or electromagnetic, Battery malfunction/ premature battery depletion, Device-related complications (Premature deployment, Device dislodgement/embolization of foreign material, Helix distortion), Death. As with any percutaneous catheterization procedure, potential complications include, but are not limited to: Vascular access complications; such as perforation, dissection, puncture, groin pain, Bleeding or hematoma, Thrombus formation, Thromboembolism, Air embolism, Local and systemic infection, Peripheral nerve damage. General surgery risks and complications from comorbidities; such as hypotension, dyspnea, respiratory failure, syncope, pneumonia, hypertension, cardiac failure, reaction to sedation, renal failure, anemia, and death.

MAT-2306873 v1.0 | Item is approved for US Use

Abbott

Just a week before the pro football draft, Abbott held a high-profile draft day experience for our HeartMates program. Hosted by Abbott, professional football player and heart health advocate Damar Hamlin and Tedy Bruschi, a three-time pro league champion, Abbott HeartMates Draft Day recognized 11 people and their caregivers from across the United States who have come back from serious cardiovascular conditions and made them official members of the Abbott HeartMates team.

Hamlin and Bruschi know a thing or two about comebacks – as well as the importance of heart health and having support from a team. When Hamlin experienced a cardiac event during a game in 2023, his teammates, family and medical team had his back like true MVPs. And in 2005, Bruschi experienced a stroke caused by a hole in his heart. After receiving an Abbott Amplatzer device, he was able to rejoin his team just months later and was named the 2005 Comeback Player of the Year.

“Draft Day was one of the most exciting and memorable days of my life,” Hamlin said. “Today I am inspired by the amazing bravery and resilience of each of the Abbott HeartMates and hope they feel just as I did on the day I was drafted.”

“Anyone can be impacted by a heart condition,” Bruschi said. “That’s why it is so important to not only raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of heart disease, stroke and other ailments, but also share diverse stories of survivor comeback journeys.”

The celebration kicked off at the New York Stock Exchange, where draftees joined Hamlin and cardiovascular experts from Abbott on the trading-floor podium to ring the iconic opening bell. Later in the day, HeartMates and their guests, along with Abbott employees and media, gathered at a special venue for a one-of-a-kind event that captured the excitement and ceremony of a professional sports draft.

Hamlin and Bruschi introduced each Heartmate from the stage, telling the story of how they discovered their heart condition and what it took for them to make their comeback. In practically every case, the support and sense of community each person received from their team of family members, friends and medical professionals were significant factors in spurring their recovery.

After being recognized onstage, each HeartMate received a personalized team jersey and signed a contract in which they committed to inspiring others with their stories.

“Our HeartMates reflect a broad scope of the population impacted by cardio conditions,” said Nadim Geloo, M.D., senior director of medical affairs in Abbott’s Structural Heart business. “We have HeartMates who are experiencing heart failure and are on the list to receive a heart transplant, those who were born with holes in their hearts that didn’t close on the own, and people from many backgrounds and age ranges. Their stories offer hope and solidarity to so many people around the country and the world.”

The inaugural Abbott HeartMates team includes the following heart-health champions.

Michael Brafi, a college football player from Woodbury, N.Y., experienced sudden cardiac arrest similar to Hamlin but caused by a previously undiagnosed heart defect. Brafi met Hamlin at a HeartMates event at his hospital, and the two bonded over their shared experience.

Lakeisha Brown, a wife and mother of four daughters and owner of a catering business in Houston, started experiencing discomfort in her chest in 2018. After seeing several doctors and receiving a pacemaker defibrillator, her condition continued to deteriorate into heart failure. Brown received a HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) and is now back to living her life to the fullest.

Tony Daly, aka “Little Tony,” lives in Las Vegas. As a premature infant born at 26 weeks and six days, he was the first person to receive Abbott’s Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder to close a hole in his heart. Thanks to this life-saving procedure, Daly is now thriving and loves tennis, soccer and excels at school.

Chris Donges of Wilmington, Del., experienced heart failure when he was 30 years old. After a prolonged hospital stay that included a medically induced coma, he received a HeartMate 3 LVAD. Donges will be marrying his long-time fiancé Meghan in October, whom he was dating at the time, and the couple has two young children.

Brody Lambert, a father of four with his own construction company and a small farm in Provo, Utah, has overcome several conditions, undergone a heart transplant and has a HeartMate II LVAD. Most recently, Lambert was enrolled in the clinical trial for the TriClip G4 system, Abbott’s minimally invasive device for repairing leaky tricuspid valves, which was approved by the FDA in early April.

MacKenzie Maddry has overcome a lot in her 17 years. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 14, Maddry underwent 21 cycles of chemotherapy. This intense treatment, coupled with multiple surgeries and infections, put her cancer in remission but led to heart failure. Maddry received a HeartMate 3 LVAD device in 2022 and was the first pediatric patient discharged from her hospital with an LVAD. She has since returned to her high school studies in Bella Vista, Ark., had another leg reconstruction surgery and is looking forward to being listed for a heart transplant.

Ezekiel “Zeke” Mankins was first Abbott HeartMates draftee and was featured on NBC Nightly News. At age 12 Mankins had open heart surgery and received an Abbott Masters mechanical heart valve to repair a leaking mitral valve, and he’s now a star on his high school track team in Midlothian, Texas. He is also an accomplished trombonist and aspiring pilot.

Alicia Nicoletti was in a car accident at age 22 that severely injured her heart and eventually lead to heart failure. In 2021, Nicoletti was implanted with the CardioMEMS HF System that allows her medical team to remotely monitor her pulmonary artery pressure and intervene if necessary. Now almost 20 years after her accident, Nicoletti is living in Wantagh, N.Y., successfully managing her heart failure and educating others about the condition.

Karen Pekowitz is a mother and teacher from Wellesley, Mass., who received her first pacemaker when she was just 19 years old. Earlier this year she became the first person in Massachusetts to receive an AVEIR DR, the world’s first dual chamber leadless pacemaker system.

Leonardo Rodriguez grew up in New York City and enjoyed all it had to offer – but not always with heart health in mind. Rodriguez developed heart disease in his early 50s and received his first stent at age 54. Taking his doctor’s advice to heart, he immediately adopted healthier habits and has a new lease on life.

Seth Wharton of LaVale, Md., had his first heart surgery, necessary to treat his severe aortic stenosis, when he was just 1 month old. After a battery of additional operations and treatments, Wharton went on to become a college basketball player, a father of four and a Guinness World Record holder for the longest survivor of an artificial double heart valve replacement – both of which were Abbott valves.

About Abbott HeartMates

The Abbott HeartMates program celebrates the bravery in those with cardiovascular conditions, the teams of families, friends and caregivers who support them, and the heroes providing the medical care need to help people make their comeback. By creating a community in which members can share stories, connect with others going through similar heart-health journeys and receive emotional support, Abbott and program ambassador Damar Hamlin hope to inspire people and ensure that no one faces these health challenges alone. Rounding out the team is a lineup of Abbott cardio experts to provide knowledge and resources in language that’s easy to understand.

Throughout the year, Hamlin and Abbott will visit hospitals around the country to recruit new HeartMates, host virtual huddles and share exclusive content that’s only available to teammates.

For more information about HeartMates, visit HeartMates.Abbott.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CARDIOMEMS™ HF SYSTEM

AVEIR™ DR

AMPLATZER PICCOLOTM OCCLUDER

Rx Only

The Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder is a percutaneous, transcatheter occlusion device intended for the nonsurgical closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Weight < 700 grams at time of the procedure; Age < 3 days at time of procedure; Coarctation of the aorta; Left pulmonary artery stenosis; Cardiac output that is dependent on right to left shunt through the PDA due to pulmonary hypertension; Intracardiac thrombus that may interfere with the implant procedure; Active infection requiring treatment at the time of implant; Patients with a PDA length smaller than 3 mm; Patients with a PDA diameter that is greater than 4 mm at the narrowest portion.

POTENTIAL ADVERSE EVENTS

Potential adverse events that may occur during or after a procedure using this device may include, but are not limited to: Air embolus, Allergic reaction, Anemia, Anesthesia reactions, Apnea, Arrhythmia, Bleeding, Cardiac perforation, Cardiac tamponade, Chest pain, Device embolization, Device erosion, Death, Endocarditis, Fever, Headache/migraine, Hemolysis, Hematoma, Hypertension, Hypotension, Infection, Myocardial infarction, Palpitations, Partial obstruction of aorta, Partial obstruction of pulmonary artery, Pericardial effusion, Pericarditis, Peripheral embolism, Pleural effusion, Pulmonary embolism, Re-intervention for device removal, Respiratory distress, Stroke, Thrombus, Transient ischemic attack, Valvular regurgitation, Vascular access site injury, Vascular occlusion, Vessel perforation.

HEARTMATE 3

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions For Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

Indications: The HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System is indicated for providing short- and long-term mechanical circulatory support (e.g., as bridge to transplant or myocardial recovery, or destination therapy) in adult and pediatric patients with advanced refractory left ventricular heart failure and with an appropriate body surface area.

Contraindications: The HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System is contraindicated for patients who cannot tolerate, or who are allergic to, anticoagulation therapy.

Adverse Events: Adverse events that may be associated with the use of the HeartMate 3™ Left Ventricular Assist System are: death, bleeding, cardiac arrhythmia, localized infection, right heart failure, respiratory failure, device malfunctions, driveline infection, renal dysfunction, sepsis, stroke, other neurological event (not stroke-related), hepatic dysfunction, psychiatric episode, venous thromboembolism, hypertension, arterial non-central nervous system (CNS) thromboembolism, pericardial fluid collection, pump pocket or pseudo pocket infection, myocardial infarction, wound dehiscence, hemolysis (not associated with suspected device thrombosis) or pump thrombosis.

HEARTMATE II LVAD

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions For Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

Indications: The HeartMate II™ Left Ventricular Assist System is indicated for use as a “bridge to transplantation” for cardiac transplant candidates who are at risk of imminent death from non-reversible left ventricle failure. It is also indicated for use in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IIIB or IV end-stage left ventricular failure, who have received optimal medical therapy for at least 45 of the last 60 days, and who are not candidates for cardiac transplantation. The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System is intended for use both inside and outside of the hospital, or for transportation of Left Ventricular Assist Device patients via ground ambulance, airplane, or helicopter.

Contraindications: The HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System is contraindicated for patients who cannot tolerate, or who are allergic to, anticoagulationtherapy.

Adverse Events: Adverse events that may be associated with the use of the HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System are listed below. Adverse events are listed in decreasing order of frequency, except for death, which appears first because it is a non-reversible complication:Death, Bleeding (perioperative or late), Cardiac arrhythmia, Local infection, Respiratory failure, Device malfunction, Sepsis, Right heart failure, Driveline or pump pocket infection, Renal failure, Stroke, Neurologic dysfunction, Psychiatric episode, Peripheral thromboembolic event, Hemolysis, Hepatic dysfunction, Device thrombosis, Myocardial infarction.

TRICLIP™ G4 SYSTEM

Rx Only

INDICATIONS

The TriClip™ G4 System is indicated for improving quality of life and functional status in patients with symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation despite optimal medical therapy, who are at intermediate or greater risk for surgery and in whom transcatheter edge-to-edge valve repair is clinically appropriate and is expected to reduce tricuspid regurgitation severity to moderate or less, as determined by a multidisciplinary heart team.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The TriClip G4 System is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: Intolerance, including allergy or untreatable hypersensitivity, to procedural anticoagulation; Untreatable hypersensitivity to implant components (nickel-titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy); Active endocarditis or other active infection of the tricuspid valve. POTENTIAL

ADVERSE EVENTS

The following events have been identified as possible complications of the TriClip™ G4 Procedure. Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to latex, contrast agent, anaesthesia, device materials and drug reactions to anticoagulation, or antiplatelet drugs; Additional treatment / surgery from device-related complications; Bleeding; Blood disorders (including coagulopathy, hemolysis, and Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)); Cardiac arrhythmias (including conduction disorders, atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias); Cardiac ischemic conditions (including myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, and unstable / stable angina); Cardiac perforation; Cardiac tamponade; Chest pain; Death; Dyspnea; Edema; Embolization (device or components of the device); Endocarditis; Fever or hyperthermia; Fluoroscopy, Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) -related complications: Skin injury or tissue changes due to exposure to ionizing radiation, Esophageal irritation, Esophageal perforation, Gastrointestinal bleeding; Hypotension / hypertension; Infection including: Septicemia; Nausea / vomiting; Pain; Pericardial effusion; Stroke / Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA); System organ failure: Cardio-respiratory arrest, Worsening heart failure, Pulmonary congestion, Respiratory dysfunction / failure / atelectasis, Renal insufficiency or failure, Shock (including cardiogenic and anaphylactic); Thrombosis; Tricuspid valve complications, which may complicate or prevent later surgical repair, including: Chordal entanglement / rupture, Single Leaflet Device Attachment (SLDA), Dislodgement of previously implanted devices, Tissue damage, Tricuspid valve stenosis, Worsening, Persistent or residual regurgitation; Vascular access complications which may require additional intervention, including: Wound dehiscence, Bleeding of the access site, Arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm, aneurysm, dissection, perforation / rupture, vascular occlusion, Embolism (air, thrombus), Peripheral nerve injury; Venous thromboembolism (including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism). CAUTION: Product(s) intended for use by or under the direction of a physician. Prior to use, reference to the Instructions for Use, inside the product carton (when available) or at https://www.eifu.abbott/ for more detailed information on Indications, Contraindications, Warnings, Precautions and Adverse Events.

MASTERS SERIES MECHANICAL HEART VALVE

Rx Only

Indications for Use

The SJM™ Masters Series Mechanical Heart Valve is intended for use as a replacement valve in patients with a diseased, damaged, or malfunctioning aortic or mitral heart valve. This device may also be used to replace a previously implanted mitral or aortic prosthetic valve.

Contraindications

The SJM™ Masters Series Mechanical Heart Valve is contraindicated for individuals unable to tolerate anticoagulation therapy.

Potential Adverse Events

Complications associated with replacement mechanical heart valves include, but are not limited to, hemolysis, infections, thrombus, or thromboembolism, valve dehiscence, unacceptable hemodynamic performance, hemorrhagic complications secondary to anticoagulation therapy, prosthetic failure, failure or death. Any of these complications may require reoperation or explantation of the device.

CARDIOMEMS™ HF SYSTEM

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

CardioMEMS™ HF System Indications and Usage: The CardioMEMS HF System is indicated for wirelessly measuring and monitoring pulmonary artery pressure and heart rate in NYHA Class II or III heart failure patients who either have been hospitalized for heart failure in the previous year and/or have elevated natriuretic peptides. The hemodynamic data are used by physicians for heart failure management with the goal of controlling pulmonary artery pressures and reducing heart failure hospitalizations.

CardioMEMS HF System Contraindications: The CardioMEMS HF System is contraindicated for patients with an inability to take dual antiplatelet or anticoagulants for one month post implant.

CardioMEMS HF System Adverse Events: Potential adverse events associated with the implantation procedure include, but are not limited to, the following: air embolism, allergic reaction, infection, delayed wound healing, arrhythmias, bleeding, hemoptysis, hematoma, nausea, cerebrovascular accident, thrombus, cardiovascular injury, myocardial infarction, death, embolization, thermal burn, cardiac perforation, pneumothorax, thoracic duct injury and hemothorax.

myCardioMEMS™ Mobile App Limitations: Patients must use their own Apple‡ or Android‡ mobile device to receive and transmit information to the myCardioMEMS Mobile App. To do so the device must be powered on, app must be installed and data coverage (cellular or Wi-Fi‡) available. The myCardioMEMS App can provide notification of medication adjustments and reminders, requests for lab work and acknowledgement that the PA pressure readings have been received. However there are many internal and external factors that can hinder, delay, or prevent acquisition and delivery of the notifications and patient information as intended by the clinician. These factors include: patient environment, data services, mobile device operating system and settings, clinic environment, schedule/configuration changes, or data processing.

AVEIR™ DR

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

Indications: The Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker system is indicated for management of one or more of the following permanent conditions: Syncope, Pre-syncope, Fatigue, Disorientation. Rate-modulated pacing is indicated for patients with chronotropic incompetence, and for those who would benefit from increased stimulation rates concurrent with physical activity. Dual-chamber pacing is indicated for patients exhibiting: Sick sinus syndrome, Chronic, symptomatic second- and third-degree AV block, Recurrent Adams-Stokes syndrome, Symptomatic bilateral bundle-branch block when tachyarrhythmia and other causes have been ruled out. Atrial pacing is indicated for patients with: Sinus node dysfunction and normal AV and intraventricular conduction systems. Ventricular pacing is indicated for patients with: Significant bradycardia and normal sinus rhythm with only rare episodes of AV block or sinus arrest, Chronic atrial fibrillation, Severe physical disability.

Intended Use: The Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker (LP) is designed to provide bradycardia pacing as a pulse generator with built-in battery and electrodes for implantation in the right ventricle and/or right atrium. The LP is intended to provide sensing of intrinsic cardiac signals and delivery of cardiac pacing therapy within the implanted chamber for the target treatment group. The LP is also intended to operate optionally with another co-implanted LP to provide dual-chamber pacing therapy.

The Aveir™ Delivery Catheter is intended to be used in the peripheral vasculature and the cardiovascular system to deliver and manipulate an LP. Delivery and manipulation includes implanting an LP within the target chamber of the heart.

Contraindications: Use of the Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker is contraindicated in these cases:

Use of any pacemaker is contraindicated in patients with a co-implanted ICD because high-voltage shocks could damage the pacemaker and the pacemaker could reduce shock effectiveness.Single-chamber ventricular demand pacing is relatively contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated pacemaker syndrome, have retrograde VA conduction, or suffer a drop in arterial blood pressure with the onset of ventricular pacing.Programming of rate-responsive pacing is contraindicated in patients with intolerance of high sensor driven rates.Use is contraindicated in patients with an implanted vena cava filter or mechanical tricuspid valve because of interference between these devices and the delivery system during implantation.Persons with known history of allergies to any of the components of this device may suffer an allergic reaction to this device. Prior to use on the patient, the patient should be counseled on the materials (listed in the Product Materials section of the IFU) contained in the device and a thorough history of allergies must be discussed.

Adverse Events: Potential complications associated with the use of the Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker system are the same as with the use of single or dual chamber pacemakers with active fixation pacing leads including, but not limited to: Cardiac perforation, Cardiac tamponade, Pericardial effusion, Pericarditis, Valve damage and/or regurgitation, Heart failure, Pneumothorax/hemothorax, Cardiac arrhythmias, Diaphragmatic/phrenic nerve stimulation / extra-cardiac stimulation, Palpitations, Hypotension, Syncope, Cerebrovascular accident, Infection, Hypersensitivity reaction to device materials, contrast media, medications, or direct toxic effect of contrast media on kidney function, Pacemaker syndrome, Inability to interrogate or program the LP due to programmer or LP malfunction, Intermittent or complete loss of pacing and/or sensing due to dislodgement or mechanical malfunction of the LP (non-battery related), Loss of capture or sensing due to embolization or fibrotic tissue response at the electrode, Increased capture threshold, Inappropriate sensor response, Interruption of desired LP function due to electrical interference, either electromyogenic or electromagnetic, Battery malfunction/ premature battery depletion, Device-related complications (Premature deployment, Device dislodgement/embolization of foreign material, Helix distortion), Death. As with any percutaneous catheterization procedure, potential complications include, but are not limited to: Vascular access complications; such as perforation, dissection, puncture, groin pain, Bleeding or hematoma, Thrombus formation, Thromboembolism, Air embolism, Local and systemic infection, Peripheral nerve damage. General surgery risks and complications from comorbidities; such as hypotension, dyspnea, respiratory failure, syncope, pneumonia, hypertension, cardiac failure, reaction to sedation, renal failure, anemia, and death.

MAT-2306873 v1.0 | Item is approved for US Use

This Earth Month, M·A·C Cosmetics was proud to visit VIVA GLAM grantee Plastics for Change in Mangalore, India to learn about their recycling efforts and give back to the local community. The trip was to drive awareness around the organization and the expansion of VIVA GLAM’s charitable mission as part of its 30th anniversary, which now includes supporting organizations working towards environmental equality.

Plastics for Change is a trusted source of fair trade-verified recycled plastic and aims to reduce plastic waste from our planet. M·A·C began its partnership with the organization last year, with an initial donation of $100,000 which enabled the collection of over 550,000 pounds of plastic (equivalent to 12,500,000 plastic bottles) from the coast of India while supporting approximately 200 plastic collectors and their communities with a host of social services for one year.

While in India, the M·A·C team volunteered with the local community alongside M·A·C India’s VIVA GLAM Ambassador, Bhumi Pednekar, participating in beach cleanups, collecting waste on E-tricycles, and helping sort plastics at the Plastics for Change recycling facility. The team also had the opportunity to meet incredible local scrap shop owners, including three women entrepreneurs who run their own scrap shops with the support of M·A·C VIVA GLAM’s grant.

The trip also served as an employee engagement opportunity for M·A·C Artists who are committed to the M·A·C VIVA GLAM philanthropic campaign. In January, the brand launched an Artist Challenge to the brand’s 13,000 makeup artists around the globe, with Artists tasked to create content on their social channels sharing why they are passionate about M·A·C VIVA GLAM. Five Artists were ultimately selected as the winners – check out their inspiring winning entries below:

APAC (New Zealand): Adrian Josephs [watch winning entry]LATAM (Argentina): Maximiliano Muñoz [watch winning entry]UK & IRELAND: Hannah McLean [watch winning entry]EMEA (Netherlands): Hannah Bennett [watch winning entry]INDIA: Adarsh Mishra [watch winning entry]

M·A·C was proud to see first-hand how VIVA GLAM grantee partner Plastics for Change is working towards better livelihoods and a cleaner planet and shared a recap of the trip on the brand’s social channels for Earth Day. You can help support organizations like Plastics for Change by purchasing a M·A·C VIVA GLAM Lipstick – the Lipstick that Gives Back 100%.

Learn more about VIVA GLAM here

This Earth Month, M·A·C Cosmetics was proud to visit VIVA GLAM grantee Plastics for Change in Mangalore, India to learn about their recycling efforts and give back to the local community. The trip was to drive awareness around the organization and the expansion of VIVA GLAM’s charitable mission as part of its 30th anniversary, which now includes supporting organizations working towards environmental equality.

Plastics for Change is a trusted source of fair trade-verified recycled plastic and aims to reduce plastic waste from our planet. M·A·C began its partnership with the organization last year, with an initial donation of $100,000 which enabled the collection of over 550,000 pounds of plastic (equivalent to 12,500,000 plastic bottles) from the coast of India while supporting approximately 200 plastic collectors and their communities with a host of social services for one year.

While in India, the M·A·C team volunteered with the local community alongside M·A·C India’s VIVA GLAM Ambassador, Bhumi Pednekar, participating in beach cleanups, collecting waste on E-tricycles, and helping sort plastics at the Plastics for Change recycling facility. The team also had the opportunity to meet incredible local scrap shop owners, including three women entrepreneurs who run their own scrap shops with the support of M·A·C VIVA GLAM’s grant.

The trip also served as an employee engagement opportunity for M·A·C Artists who are committed to the M·A·C VIVA GLAM philanthropic campaign. In January, the brand launched an Artist Challenge to the brand’s 13,000 makeup artists around the globe, with Artists tasked to create content on their social channels sharing why they are passionate about M·A·C VIVA GLAM. Five Artists were ultimately selected as the winners – check out their inspiring winning entries below:

APAC (New Zealand): Adrian Josephs [watch winning entry]LATAM (Argentina): Maximiliano Muñoz [watch winning entry]UK & IRELAND: Hannah McLean [watch winning entry]EMEA (Netherlands): Hannah Bennett [watch winning entry]INDIA: Adarsh Mishra [watch winning entry]

M·A·C was proud to see first-hand how VIVA GLAM grantee partner Plastics for Change is working towards better livelihoods and a cleaner planet and shared a recap of the trip on the brand’s social channels for Earth Day. You can help support organizations like Plastics for Change by purchasing a M·A·C VIVA GLAM Lipstick – the Lipstick that Gives Back 100%.

Learn more about VIVA GLAM here

CRN hosted its inaugural sustainability event on the 8th of February at BAFTA in London, welcoming influential IT and sustainability leaders across the IT vendor and channel partner community to honor outstanding achievements in sustainability-focused programs, products, and strategies.

April 23, 2024 /3BL/ – Lenovo has been awarded “Best Value Chain Initiative”, “Best Green Product”, and received a recognition of “highly commended” for “Circular Economy Company of the Year” in CRN’s first-ever Sustainability in Tech Summit.

The event, hosted by CRN, a media brand of The Channel Company, celebrates companies who are pioneering sustainable business practices.

Lenovo maintains a legacy of action in sustainability, from publishing its first sustainability report in 2008 to being in the first group of companies to receive validation for its net-zero targets from the Science Based Targets initiative in 2023. The CRN accolades highlight a shift in the company’s sustainability focus from a traditional supply chain to a holistic value chain approach.

“Best Value Chain Initiative of the Year” was awarded for Lenovo’s global channel partner initiative, Lenovo 360 Circle. Aligned with the UN Global Compact goals for sustainable partnerships, Lenovo 360 Circle was established in 2021 as a community for channel partners to come together for collective learning opportunities and collaboration on addressing key issues in sustainability together as a community. Through their membership, Lenovo 360 Circle partners gain access to tools and expertise to enhance their sustainability strategies, align their businesses with global sustainability standards, and drive long-term impact. This breakthrough initiative has been recognized as a best-in-class collaborative approach by the CRN jury.“Best Green Energy Product of the Year” went to Lenovo’s Neptune™ liquid-cooling technology. Neptune optimizes energy efficiency of Lenovo servers and storage devices, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. This sustainable approach not only ensures equipment longevity, but also aligns with global climate change mitigation efforts, ushering in a more sustainable era for data center operations.The recognition of “highly commended” for “Circular Economy Company of the Year” highlights Lenovo’s commitment to circularity practices and focus on key topics such as e-waste management, planning network, sustainable logistics, packaging optimization, reverse & repair efficiency, and design for repairability.

“These awards underscore Lenovo’s commitment and dedication to sustainability across the organization and our ecosystem,” said Virginie Le Barbu, Global Sustainability Director for International Markets. “Recognizing that sustainability will define the competitive landscape of tomorrow, it’s imperative that it becomes an integral part of all decision-making processes and transcends corporate responsibility; it’s a critical business imperative.”

About Lenovo 
Lenovo is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of ‘New IT’ technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992)(ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit  https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

CRN hosted its inaugural sustainability event on the 8th of February at BAFTA in London, welcoming influential IT and sustainability leaders across the IT vendor and channel partner community to honor outstanding achievements in sustainability-focused programs, products, and strategies.

April 23, 2024 /3BL/ – Lenovo has been awarded “Best Value Chain Initiative”, “Best Green Product”, and received a recognition of “highly commended” for “Circular Economy Company of the Year” in CRN’s first-ever Sustainability in Tech Summit.

The event, hosted by CRN, a media brand of The Channel Company, celebrates companies who are pioneering sustainable business practices.

Lenovo maintains a legacy of action in sustainability, from publishing its first sustainability report in 2008 to being in the first group of companies to receive validation for its net-zero targets from the Science Based Targets initiative in 2023. The CRN accolades highlight a shift in the company’s sustainability focus from a traditional supply chain to a holistic value chain approach.

“Best Value Chain Initiative of the Year” was awarded for Lenovo’s global channel partner initiative, Lenovo 360 Circle. Aligned with the UN Global Compact goals for sustainable partnerships, Lenovo 360 Circle was established in 2021 as a community for channel partners to come together for collective learning opportunities and collaboration on addressing key issues in sustainability together as a community. Through their membership, Lenovo 360 Circle partners gain access to tools and expertise to enhance their sustainability strategies, align their businesses with global sustainability standards, and drive long-term impact. This breakthrough initiative has been recognized as a best-in-class collaborative approach by the CRN jury.“Best Green Energy Product of the Year” went to Lenovo’s Neptune™ liquid-cooling technology. Neptune optimizes energy efficiency of Lenovo servers and storage devices, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. This sustainable approach not only ensures equipment longevity, but also aligns with global climate change mitigation efforts, ushering in a more sustainable era for data center operations.The recognition of “highly commended” for “Circular Economy Company of the Year” highlights Lenovo’s commitment to circularity practices and focus on key topics such as e-waste management, planning network, sustainable logistics, packaging optimization, reverse & repair efficiency, and design for repairability.

“These awards underscore Lenovo’s commitment and dedication to sustainability across the organization and our ecosystem,” said Virginie Le Barbu, Global Sustainability Director for International Markets. “Recognizing that sustainability will define the competitive landscape of tomorrow, it’s imperative that it becomes an integral part of all decision-making processes and transcends corporate responsibility; it’s a critical business imperative.”

About Lenovo 
Lenovo is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people around the world, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of ‘New IT’ technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992)(ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit  https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

Originally published on April 22, 2024 on investors.sysco.com

HOUSTON, April 23, 2024 /3BL/ – Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY), the leading global foodservice distribution company, is taking action to improve the sustainability of product packaging. Earlier this year, the company introduced packaging guidelines to encourage all supplier partners to transition to materials and design principles that will collectively reduce our environmental footprint.

“We only have One Planet, and right now that planet is overwhelmed with plastic and packaging waste. This year’s Earth Day theme of ‘Planet vs. Plastics’ was a perfect opportunity to highlight how we are working with our suppliers and customers to reduce plastics and packaging waste,” said Neil Russell, Sysco’s Chief Administrative Officer.

For example, Sysco’s Earth Plus Brand Agave Straw is plastic-free and certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). Upcycled from residual agave fibers leftover from beverage production, these straws not only mimic the feel and texture of plastic straws with incredible strength and durability, they are also commercially compostable in just 90 days. Customers can find this product as part of Sysco’s One Planet. One Table. assortment which includes products produced with the planet and people in mind.

In addition, Fresh Direct, Sysco’s produce business in Great Britain, recently collaborated with one of its suppliers and customers to transition berries to FSC-certified paper packaging, which will eliminate over 50 tons of plastic waste annually. Fresh Direct also introduced new buffet boxes for fresh produce. The boxes are made from 62% recycled cardboard, are fully recyclable and use less material, removing five tons of virgin cardboard from the supply chain each week and saving more than 1,000 pounds of carbon each year.

Sysco’s Gilchrist & Soames business reported a reduction of more than 168 million single-use bottles in FY2023 by helping customers transition into large bottle formats which included dispenser solutions for everything from shampoo and conditioner to body wash and more.

Neil continued, “We’re leveraging our position and global scale to make significant, positive shifts in sustainability across the end-to-end food supply chain. From working with our suppliers on transitioning to more eco-friendly and innovative packaging to driving demand for sustainable products in our One Planet. One Table. assortment and helping our customers switch to more planet-friendly alternatives.”

In the United States, Sysco has also started to transition its owned Brand exterior packaging from traditional white to kraft corrugate cases. The shift away from white corrugate saves up to 30% of the energy and up to 17% of the material needed to create these boxes while making them easier for customers to recycle.

During Earth Week, Sysco will host a sustainability summit exclusively for their suppliers to discuss how they can drive growth and support customers together by taking action on sustainability to protect the future of the planet and the resilience of the food supply chains.

Learn more about the actions Sysco is taking to protect the planet by visiting sysco.com/sustainability.

About Sysco 
Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 72,000 colleagues, the company operates 334 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 725,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2023 that ended July 1, 2023, the company generated sales of more than $76 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com. 

For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

For more information contact:

Investor Contact

Kevin Kim

Kevin.Kim@sysco.com

281-584-1219

Media Contact

Shannon Mutschler

Mutschler.Shannon@sysco.com

281-584-1219

View original content here.

Originally published on April 22, 2024 on investors.sysco.com

HOUSTON, April 23, 2024 /3BL/ – Sysco Corporation (NYSE:SYY), the leading global foodservice distribution company, is taking action to improve the sustainability of product packaging. Earlier this year, the company introduced packaging guidelines to encourage all supplier partners to transition to materials and design principles that will collectively reduce our environmental footprint.

“We only have One Planet, and right now that planet is overwhelmed with plastic and packaging waste. This year’s Earth Day theme of ‘Planet vs. Plastics’ was a perfect opportunity to highlight how we are working with our suppliers and customers to reduce plastics and packaging waste,” said Neil Russell, Sysco’s Chief Administrative Officer.

For example, Sysco’s Earth Plus Brand Agave Straw is plastic-free and certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). Upcycled from residual agave fibers leftover from beverage production, these straws not only mimic the feel and texture of plastic straws with incredible strength and durability, they are also commercially compostable in just 90 days. Customers can find this product as part of Sysco’s One Planet. One Table. assortment which includes products produced with the planet and people in mind.

In addition, Fresh Direct, Sysco’s produce business in Great Britain, recently collaborated with one of its suppliers and customers to transition berries to FSC-certified paper packaging, which will eliminate over 50 tons of plastic waste annually. Fresh Direct also introduced new buffet boxes for fresh produce. The boxes are made from 62% recycled cardboard, are fully recyclable and use less material, removing five tons of virgin cardboard from the supply chain each week and saving more than 1,000 pounds of carbon each year.

Sysco’s Gilchrist & Soames business reported a reduction of more than 168 million single-use bottles in FY2023 by helping customers transition into large bottle formats which included dispenser solutions for everything from shampoo and conditioner to body wash and more.

Neil continued, “We’re leveraging our position and global scale to make significant, positive shifts in sustainability across the end-to-end food supply chain. From working with our suppliers on transitioning to more eco-friendly and innovative packaging to driving demand for sustainable products in our One Planet. One Table. assortment and helping our customers switch to more planet-friendly alternatives.”

In the United States, Sysco has also started to transition its owned Brand exterior packaging from traditional white to kraft corrugate cases. The shift away from white corrugate saves up to 30% of the energy and up to 17% of the material needed to create these boxes while making them easier for customers to recycle.

During Earth Week, Sysco will host a sustainability summit exclusively for their suppliers to discuss how they can drive growth and support customers together by taking action on sustainability to protect the future of the planet and the resilience of the food supply chains.

Learn more about the actions Sysco is taking to protect the planet by visiting sysco.com/sustainability.

About Sysco 
Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 72,000 colleagues, the company operates 334 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 725,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2023 that ended July 1, 2023, the company generated sales of more than $76 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Sysco’s 2023 Sustainability Report and 2023 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com. 

For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods. For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the company’s Internet home page at investors.sysco.com, which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

For more information contact:

Investor Contact

Kevin Kim

Kevin.Kim@sysco.com

281-584-1219

Media Contact

Shannon Mutschler

Mutschler.Shannon@sysco.com

281-584-1219

View original content here.

MIDLAND, Mich., April 23, 2024 /3BL/ – Dow (NYSE: DOW), a global leader in materials science, and Beyond Benign, a nonprofit organization focused on making green chemistry an integral part of education, announce an expanded multi-year collaboration. Building upon a foundation of cooperation, both organizations aim to advance chemistry education by empowering educators with the tools and resources to incorporate green chemistry into higher education curricula.

The collaboration, fueled by Dow’s commitment to sustainability, will bolster Beyond Benign’s initiatives in several key areas:

Expansion of the Green Chemistry Commitment program: Over the next three years, Beyond Benign plans to accelerate the recruitment of universities globally into its Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program, an institutional approach to advancing green chemistry in higher education (currently, more than 160 have joined). This expansion will further the integration of green chemistry principles into academic institutions worldwide.Design of on-demand professional training in Green Chemistry: Beyond Benign and Dow will partner with educators to design a cutting-edge on-demand training program focused on green chemistry. This initiative will provide educators and industry professionals with accessible resources to enhance their understanding and teaching of sustainable chemistry practices.Green Chemistry Education Challenge awards: Beyond Benign will provide university awards to support the advancement of Green Chemistry in teaching, research and service for 15-30 university educator teams.Support for Dow employee volunteer opportunities: Dow employees will have opportunities to engage as advocates, educators and learners in Green Chemistry initiatives, amplifying the impact of this collaboration across communities.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our efforts with Dow,” says Amy Cannon, Beyond Benign Co-Founder and Executive Director. “This collaboration will allow us to deepen our connections with educators to provide key resources to train future scientists with the knowledge and skills to design safer chemical products. We will also provide support to universities through educational grants and peer support to enable further adoption of green chemistry in higher education.”

With expanded support from Dow, Beyond Benign aims to collaborate globally, prioritizing relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the U.S. Beyond Benign seeks to increase participation of Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the GCC program to enhance the representation of scientists in the green chemistry field, empower faculty to integrate sustainability principles into chemistry education and expand the diversity of the talent pool equipped to address critical sustainability challenges in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Beyond Benign’s commitment to advancing green chemistry education is inspiring,” says Bob Plishka, global director of Strategic Corporate Partnerships and Dow Company Foundation president. “This collaboration reflects Dow’s commitment to sustainability and STEM & skilled trades, empowering educators to instill environmental stewardship in the next generation of scientists.”

Growing this collaboration symbolizes a significant stride in transforming chemistry education. Green chemistry places sustainability at the forefront of product and process design, providing the framework for scientists to address sustainability in the design stage of a product lifecycle. Supported by Dow, Beyond Benign launched the GCC 25×25 initiative in 2020, aiming to ensure 25% of graduating U.S. chemists possess green chemistry expertise by 2025. Over 107 U.S. universities, including many of Dow’s academic partners, and over 160 universities globally have already joined, highlighting the widespread embrace and impact of green chemistry principles. To learn more about the GCC program and which universities have signed the pledge, please visit Beyond Benign’s website: https://www.beyondbenign.org/he-green-chemistry-commitment/

About Beyond Benign:

Beyond Benign, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, envisions a world where the chemical building blocks of products used every day are healthy and safe for humans and the environment. Beyond Benign is fostering a green chemistry education community empowered to transform chemistry education for a sustainable future. Beyond Benign’s continuum of sustainable science educational programs including, teacher and faculty training and curriculum development from K-20 are helping to build the next generation of scientists and citizens with the skills and knowledge to create and choose products that are safe for human health and the environment. Over the past 17 years, Beyond Benign has an extensive history of service, having trained over 6,500 K-12 teachers in sustainable science and green chemistry, designed over 200 open-access lessons, reached over 35,000 youth and community members through outreach, & partnered with over 160 universities to transform chemistry education. Together we can catalyze the development of green technological innovations that result in safer products and processes in support of a sustainable, healthy society.

Find us on Twitter @beyondbenign, on Instagram @beyondbenign, and follow us on Facebook @beyondbenign or LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-benign-inc/.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

For further information, please contact:

Jess MacDonald
Dow Global Citizenship manager
jmacdonald1@dow.com

Nicki Wiggins, director of Development
Beyond Benign
nicki_wiggins@beyondbenign.org

In the #HowIGotHere series, you’ll read about the career paths of some of the world-renowned leaders at Yum! Brands. Learn more about Burge Diemer, Vice President, Brand Marketing at The Habit Burger Grill in this installment.

EDUCATION

Yukselis Lisesi 
Ankara, Turkey (1992 – 1995)METU University 
Bachelor of Arts, Foreign Language Education Ankara, Turkey (1995 – 1999)University of California San Diego 
Pre-Master of Business Administration/Marketing Program San Diego, California, United States (1999 – 2000)

If we were to interview your teachers, what would they say about you?

Burge was curious, tenacious and focused, except in geometry — her least favorite subject.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

In high school, my best friend’s father was a NATO diplomat. I was fascinated by the countries he visited, the critical issues he tackled, the multiple languages he spoke and the pictures he had with some of the world’s leaders. So, I took the Foreign Service Officer test but failed the last round of interviews, and while disappointed, looking back, I would not have enjoyed the bureaucracy and red tape that come with diplomacy.

WORK

First Job: I worked as a tour guide in the ancient Greek city, Ephesus, in western Turkey. I wanted to improve my conversational English, get to know people from different cultures, learn the rich history of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and save money to buy my first Volkswagen Beetle. Because of this job, I made lifelong friends in various parts of the world who I am still in touch with today.

The UPS Store, San Diego, California, United States
2000 – 2004: Marketing Manager, Franchise Sales
2004 – 2007: Senior Manager, International Marketing
 Jack in the Box, San Diego, California, United States
2007 – 2011: Senior Marketing Manager
2011 – 2012: Senior Manager, Operations Services
2012 – 2014: Business Unit Leader
2014 – 2016: Director, Regional and Product Marketing
2016 – 2018: Vice President, Product Marketing
 Boston Market, Golden, Colorado, United States
2018 – 2019: Vice President, Brand Strategy
 The Habit Burger Grill, Irvine, California, United States
2019 – present: Vice President, Brand Marketing

What moments, or who, in your life influenced the way you work?

Moving from Turkey to the United States

One of my favorite marketing professors in my pre-MBA program told me that he was really impressed that I had the courage to move from Turkey to the U.S. at 23 years old. He advised me to never lose sight of my adventurous spirit, and to this day, getting out of my comfort zone has always taught me the best lessons and made me more resilient both personally and professionally.

Stretch Assignment

In one of my previous jobs, I was put on a stretch assignment in Canada for a year and a half, which taught me how to adjust our brand messaging and tone based on cultural nuances while staying true to the core of our brand essence.

Lateral Move

When I worked at Jack in the Box, I made a lateral move from marketing to operations to broaden my perspective of the business and build trust and credibility with the franchisees. This experience helped me appreciate the key role the restaurant teams play in delivering great customer experiences and helped me become a well-rounded marketer, as I quickly realized that no matter how great a product or marketing idea is, if it cannot be scaled up and executed consistently, it will not work.

Do you believe in work/life balance?

Earlier in my career, as a young mother, trying to achieve the perfect work/life balance created unnecessary pressure and guilt on both fronts. Therefore, I try to embrace a more flexible approach that accommodates fluctuating demands of my work and personal life even when it is not always balanced.

I focus my energy on living a more fulfilling life by driving results and impact in my work, never missing special moments with my kids such as watching their soccer games, doing Pilates and taking long walks while listening to my favorite podcasts. These walks allow me to immerse myself in the environment, providing a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty and a gentle reminder of the importance of preserving and caring for our planet.

What do people think you do versus what you actually do?

People think my job is to come up with new food ideas, but really, my role is to spearhead marketing strategies, elevate The Habit as a modern and distinctive brand and drive our sustainability objectives. One of the most exciting initiatives I championed was the integration of plant-based burgers into our core menu, which reduced our carbon footprint. I was also proud to lead efforts to transition our to-go packaging from plastic to paper.

I still constantly get new recipes from passionate food enthusiasts, friends and family. If they are a good fit for our brand, I often pass along these ideas to our talented chef. Most recently, I got a suggestion for a fried doughnut burger from one of my son’s soccer coaches who was confident that it would be a massive hit for The Habit. I am still holding on to that idea!

What is the best piece of advice that you’ve been given?

Since I was a little girl, I have carried with me the inspiration instilled by my grandmother. She was the first female school principal in a small, conservative town in Turkey who had to overcome gender bias in a male-dominated society. She taught me to always chase my dreams, be proud of my heritage and to never allow any obstacle to hinder my pursuit of what may seem hard or even impossible.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

As once a young immigrant with a thick accent striving her way forward to build a career in the U.S., I love helping others be seen, heard and be the best version of themselves, just like many of my mentors have done for me over the years.

One of my most rewarding accomplishments has been to establish The Habit’s first Equity, Inclusion & Belonging team, launching our first Business Employee Resource Group and the mentorship program to support our young talents’ professional and personal growth.

I am also passionate about helping refugee women and children through my involvement with several international NGOs. Seeing the resilience of people in the hardest situations helps me stay grounded, not to sweat the small stuff, appreciate all the ups and downs of life and role model empathy, kindness and compassion for my kids.