Cardiovascular Team Completes Novel Surgery at Henry Ford
Pushing the boundaries of what is considered to be “normal” care is a cornerstone of our cardiovascular team. This was never more evident than recently when Madar Abed, MD and the cardiovascular team at Henry Ford Rochester Hospital completed an implant of a first-of-its-kind extravascular defibrillator on a 37-year-old patient who had sustained VT and cardiac arrest. This device treats sudden cardiac arrest and abnormal heart rhythms with defibrillation and antitachycardia pacing (ATP) in a single device.
The Aurora EV-ICD™ system is the only ICD placed outside the vascular space that provides ATP in a single device that is nearly half the size and has 60% greater projected battery longevity than the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD).
Said Dr. Abed: “This is a very exciting time in electrophysiology where we can now offer lifesaving therapy for SCD (Sudden Cardiac Death) for the younger and older population. The Aurora EV-ICD is less invasive with no leads in the vasculature. It also offers painless therapies such as ATP to restore the heart to normal rhythm without resorting to shocks as a first line therapy as it is the case with the other Subcutaneous ICDs currently available in the market. This device can also provide backup pacing capabilities if the heart rate drops below a certain rate.
“Given that the battery lasts anywhere from 11-13 years, this device also offers a much better lifestyle for the patients with less post procedural restrictions when compared to the traditional transvenous devices. I am very excited for being able to offer the new therapy to many patients in the future.” Dr. Abed recently saw this patient in the clinic for follow-up care, and reported she is both happy and pain free, adding that the device is making her feel safe and able to live a normal life without any significant restriction.
This is just one example of the remarkable work being conducted under the leadership of Shukri David, MD, Cardiovascular Service Line Chair for Legacy Ascension.
Dr. David humbly offered further details: “The lead is substernal (under the breastbone) and is able to provide defibrillation capacity as well as anti-tachycardia pacing. It is the only subcutaneous ICD that can provide both therapies in a unique subset of patients. This is another device in our armamentarium to treating patients with complex cardiac rhythm disorders.”
Congratulation to this team on expanding the scope of possibilities for patients like the one who received this remarkable care.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Abed, please submit a form on contact us page or call us at 586-698-1200
