Annual Tech for Your Health
Medical technology is constantly evolving to better treat today’s health and wellness concerns. From state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging to minimally invasive robotic surgery, read on to learn more about the latest technological advancements in healthcare.
This innovative device has broken new ground in cardiac care.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small battery-powered device that corrects arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. It is used to treat heart conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest such as ventricular tachycardia, where the heart beats dangerously fast, and ventricular fibrillation, a severely abnormal heart rhythm.
ICDs are traditionally placed inside the chest, with wires called leads attached directly to the heart. However, breakthroughs in technology have made it possible to install an extravascular ICD (EV-ICD) without the need for invasive internal work. The lead is instead placed outside of the heart, where it provides the same cardiac therapies as a traditional ICD.
How Does It Work?
ICDs work by delivering an electric shock to the heart when an irregular heartbeat occurs to restore a regular heart rhythm. During EV-ICD implantation, the device is installed beneath the sternum using a minimally invasive approach. Once successfully installed, it will be ready to provide defibrillation, anti-tachycardia pacing, and pause-prevention therapies.
The Benefits of EV-ICD
Life-saving technology. Sudden cardiac arrest is a serious condition that is fatal without immediate treatment. ICDs are a life-saving cardiac intervention that significantly decreases the risk of sudden cardiac arrest occurring by maintaining a healthy heart rhythm in at-risk individuals.
Minimized risk. EV-ICDs minimize the risk of infection and other complications associated with invasive procedures by eliminating the need for leads to be threaded into the heart.
Enhanced patient comfort. In addition to long-lasting and effective cardiac therapy, recipients of EV-ICDs can enjoy a more comfortable experience and reduced recovery time thanks to the innovative extravascular approach.
