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Last updated: 11-05-2012
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| First-of-its-Kind "Leadless" Heart Defibrillator November 15, 2012 |
FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND “LEADLESS” HEART DEFIBRILLATOR FOR PATIENTS AT RISK OF SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST  Washington, D.C., Nov. 15, 2012 - MedStar Heart Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center now offers patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest a new, innovative leadless defibrillator that can shock the heart, in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias to restore normal rhythm. The device, a subcutaneous implantable defibrillator (S-ICD), is the first heart defibrillator implanted beneath the skin that does not require wires placed within the heart. In early November, the MedStar Heart Institute at the Hospital Center became the first facility in the District and Maryland to implant the new S-ICD. “The subcutaneous ICD is a breakthrough treatment,” said Zayd Eldadah, MD, PhD, MedStar Heart Institute’s director of cardiac electrophysiology. “It is an innovative alternative for patients for whom the more invasive, traditional ICD is either not possible or not preferred.” Conventional defibrillators rely on wires (leads) that are implanted directly inside the heart, typically by way of the large vein under the collar bone. The new device uses a lead placed just beneath the skin near the heart without actually touching it. The implantation is less invasive, uses smaller incisions and has fewer complications, such as blood clots or infections. The S-ICD system has two main components. The pulse generator powers the system, monitors heart activity and delivers a shock, if needed. The electrode enables the device to sense cardiac rhythm and deliver shocks when necessary. Sudden cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function. Most episodes are caused by the rapid and/or chaotic activity of the heart known as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Approximately 850,000 people in the U.S. are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Media Contacts So Young Pak 202-877-2748 soyoung.pak@medstar.net Matt Brock 202-877-7072 matt.brock@medstar.net |
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