Structural Heart and Ventricular Assist Devices

This framework starts on 20 June 2025, runs for 24 months and ends on 19 June 2027. There is an option to extend for an additional 24 months.

There are 10 suppliers, including 2 new suppliers, on the framework. See the Suppliers section for a full list of suppliers on this framework.

Areas covered

There are two lots on this framework (see Product Categories section for a full list).
See our Downloads ▼ section for the full product listing on the Framework Matrices.

Resilience

Our increased knowledge of the global manufacturing base following COVID-19 and subsequent global supply challenges, means we are better able to identify potential risks and mitigate them by building resilience into our sourcing strategies.

For this framework we are adopting measures including ensuring suppliers hold more stock in UK warehouses of the eDirect products. Suppliers have also brought more products to their UK storage units and are providing forward trackers so that suppliers can build up contingency stock in the event of a supply disruption.

How to purchase from the framework

Products available via our eDirect supply routes can be purchased using our online catalogue or through your own purchase-to-pay system.

Ordering samples

Product samples are not available on this framework.

Product switching will be available following the start of the framework. Due to the complexities of the area this will be worked on at time of launch and continue throughout the lifetime of the framework. Analysis has taken place to highlight cost effective alternatives and to identify switch and rationalisation opportunities. If you are interested in further information about product switching, please speak to our Hospital Care team.

See our Useful Links section for your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager contact details.

The framework provides a National Pricing Matrix (NPM) which allows you to benefit from a discounted pricing structure from a supplier in return for either a value or volume commitment, for an agreed period. The suppliers offering an NPM are:

• Abbott Medical U.K. Ltd
• Aquilant Limited
• Artivion UK Ltd (CryoLife Europa, Ltd)
• Becton Dickinson U.K. Limited
• Corcym UK (Holding) Ltd
• Edwards Lifesciences Ltd
• Medtronic Limited
• Meril UK Pvt Ltd
• R&D Surgical Ltd.

If you are interested in NPM savings, please speak to your NHS Supply Chain ICS Manager.
See our Useful Links section for your ICS Manager contact details.

Sustainability, net zero and social value are important elements in how NHS Supply Chain build our framework offering through the procurement process, tendering, supplier award and contract management. There are five mandatory requirements for suppliers to address supporting compliance with relevant PPNs and NHS England policy.

• Carbon Reduction Plan (PPN 006)
• Evergreen Assessment
• Modern Slavery Assessment (PPN 009)
• Social Value (PPN 002)
• NHS England Net Zero Supplier Roadmap and Horizon Scanning.

Awarded suppliers meet the current milestones on the net zero roadmap and have awareness and understanding of future milestones.

Social value

See our Downloads ▼ section for further information on suppliers’ social value commitments.

Sustainable opportunities

The following sustainable opportunity is available on this framework:

Cryolife – When a patient has been implanted with a mechanical heart valve, the requirement is that a patient will have to take Warfarin, which is an anticoagulant, and prevents the risk of thrombosis. Patients will continue to have to take Warfarin for the rest of their lives. As part of this treatment, it is a requirement that the patient attends a Warfarin clinic every 8-12 weeks to have their Warfarin / blood levels checked.

Croylife is in the early scoping stages of developing a home testing Warfarin device. As part of this development there are significant opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of attending Warfarin clinics. Patients won’t have to attend hospital / clinics to have their Warfarin / blood levels monitored. As this progresses further information will be shared and a Value Based Procurement (VBP) opportunity will be communicated.

We engaged with expert centres / clinicians throughout the development of this framework and continue to do so on a regular basis via the Specialist Devices Working Group for these products. We have also engaged with NHS England, as there are several Specialised Services Devices Programme (SSDP) products included in framework. We also have worked with multiple leading clinicians and industry representative groups.

389 products are being delisted. These products have limitations on alternatives due to the complexity of the products and clinical preference. We are working alongside our clinical teams to built an alternative product matrix for products throughout the lifetime of the framework agreement.

See our Downloads ▼ section to view the full list of delisted products and details of the alternatives available.

There are 10 suppliers on this framework. They are:

• Abbott Medical U.K. Ltd
• Abiomed Ltd
• Aquilant Limited
• Artivion UK Ltd (CryoLife Europa, Ltd)
• Becton, Dickinson U.K. Limited
• Corcym UK (Holding) Ltd
• Edwards Lifesciences Ltd
• Medtronic Limited
• Meril UK Pvt Ltd
• R&D Surgical Ltd.

The following suppliers are being delisted at the start of the framework agreement:

• Berlin Heart GmBH
• BVM Medical Limited
• Eurosets SRL
• Lemaitre Vascular Limited
• Livanova UK Limited.

There is an extensive product list from a wide range of suppliers in the market. Products have been added and these are highlighted in the product listing.

There are two lots on this framework:

• Lot 1: Heart Valves and Annuloplasty Rings and Bands
• Lot 2: Ventricular Assist Devices.

See our Downloads ▼ section for the full product listing, and details of any delisted lines and details of alternative products in the Framework Matrices.

Product training and support is available to clinicians from the suppliers. To arrange please contact:

All products are provided with instructions for use sheets for clinicians but should only be used by those suitably qualified.

About the products

This framework consists of products used for surgical repair and replacement of heart valves (Lot 1). Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) are used to support the heart functions of patients whilst waiting for heart transplants, they can be short term or long term implants.

Choice

• Leading suppliers on contract – providing enhanced range and value from a single source.

More savings

• Pay less – with NHS Supply Chain you have a wider range of product options so you can select the ones that are fit for purpose and value for money.
• Leave your tendering to us – spend less time and money on tendering and let our procurement specialists undertake it on your behalf.
• Back office savings – the efficiency of our service, ranging from e-ordering to consolidated deliveries, enables significant back office savings.

More value

• An integrated approach – the financial benefits of NHS Supply Chain go beyond just product prices. Our approach is an integrated one that reduces cost throughout the supply chain, from raw materials to global logistics, resulting in a much lower total cost.
• Purchasing through our route – when there are changes in the market, we can help minimise the impact of price rises and give support with cost saving initiatives.

Our knowledge and expertise

• Dedicated Hospital Care and Out of Hospital Care Teams – your day to day contact for all queries. They will help you identify savings opportunities, solve any issues on your behalf and ensure high service levels are always met.
• NHS Supply Chain Buyers – procurement specialists in their product fields who can give expert advice on new and alternative products.
• Implementation Team – experts in helping you set up the new processes and training required when introducing new products.
• Customer Services Team – with the daily support provided by our dedicated and knowledgeable advisors and service managers you know you are in safe hands.
• Customer Assurance – providing customers with the confidence and assurance of products using a process of clinical evaluation and engagement with clinical users. This ensures all products are clinically assured by the CaPA process, supported by engagement with customers.

Peace of mind

• Dependable deliveries – having access to the know-how and resources of one of the world’s largest logistics companies means we can offer unrivalled dependability and responsiveness when it comes to our delivery services.
• Framework agreement – awarded in accordance with UK procurement legislation.
• Sustainability – Sustainable procurement is embedded into our category management processes to ensure that our suppliers meet requirements for carbon reduction plans, evergreen assessment, modern slavery, social value and NHS England net zero supplier roadmap. Additionally, our logistics partner is certified ISO14001.