Study: ICD Reliability Shows Significant Improvement
Study Tests Devices from Three Manufacturers for Longevity, Performance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ann-Marie White
Heart Rhythm Society
202-464-3476
awhite@hrsonline.org

DENVER — Implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) manufactured in recent years are more reliable, last longer and rarely fail due to electronic defects, according to a new study presented today at Heart Rhythm 2007, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 28th Annual Scientific Sessions. Analysis of clinical ICD data for three major device manufacturers — Medtronic, Guidant and St. Jude Medical — found continuous improvement in longevity and reliability for ICDs implanted in 2004-2006 compared to those implanted from 2001-2003.

“There has been a lot of concern recently about ICD performance, but this study should reassure physicians and patients that these devices have improved dramatically in recent years and are now safer than ever,” said Robert Hauser, M.D., lead author and a cardiologist at the Minneapolis Heart Institute.

The study examined dates of implant and replacement, reason for replacement and cause of failure for more than 1,200 ICDs from nine centers in North America. Normally functioning ICDs that were electively replaced because of a recall advisory were not included in the study.

The study findings included:

• Average longevity (implant time) increased 26% for dual-chamber devices implanted in 2004 to 2006 compared to those implanted earlier.
• Average longevity for single-chamber devices in 2004-2006 was almost 6 years, a 36% improvement over 2001-2003.
• Only 9 ICDs experienced unexpected failures in 2004-2006, compared with 35 in 2001-2003.
• Four devices delivered inappropriate shocks or contributed to other major adverse events in 2004-2006, compared to 10 such device related events in 2001-2003.

Session details: (PO3-38) “Improvement in the Reliability and Longevity of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators” [May 10, 3:30-4:30 PM, Poster Session #3, Exhibit Hall]

HEART RHYTHM 2007 takes place May 9-12 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. The meeting is the most comprehensive educational event on heart rhythm disorders, offering over 400 educational opportunities in multiple formats and over 125 innovative products and services for the heart rhythm management field. The world’s most renowned scientists and physicians will present a wide range of heart rhythm topics including advances in statins, cardiac resynchronization therapy, catheter ablation, cardiac pacing and heart failure and the latest technology, including state-of-the-art pacemakers and defibrillators.

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About the Heart Rhythm Society
The Heart Rhythm Society is the international leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on heart rhythm disorders. Its mission is to improve the care of patients by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and standards. Incorporated in 1979 and based in Washington, DC, it has a membership of over 4,000 heart rhythm professionals in more than 60 countries around the world.