Cardiologist performs first US implant of new heart device
An electrophysiologist with Cleveland Clinic has made a bit of history, performing the first U.S. implant of Biotronik’s Acticor Sky DX cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) system.
The implantable device, which first gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in April, was designed to provide high-quality patient care and simplify electrophysiology workflows. It uses closed loop stimulation for heart rate modulation and the company’s DX Technology to deliver atrial sensing with a single lead.
Niraj Varma, MD, PhD, a staff physician with the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, was the cardiologist at the heart of this procedure.
“In performing the first U.S. implant of this device, what stands out to me is how it supports physiologic pacing while integrating alerts for worsening heart failure,” Varma said in a statement. “This combination may have a real impact on how CRT-D therapy is delivered across the U.S.”
“Acticor Sky represents an important step forward in our commitment to advancing physiologic therapy and simplifying care delivery,” added David Hayes, MD, chief medical officer of Biotronik. “By integrating technologies that support conduction system pacing, reduce system complexity, and streamline longitudinal care, Acticor Sky helps physicians deliver therapy that is better aligned with each patient’s individual needs.”
The Acticor Sky system also features HeartInsight, a multipart alert designed to warn clinicians of worsening heart failure symptoms, and MRI Guard 24/7, which makes it much easier for patients to undergo MRI scans when necessary. Click here for more information.
Another big moment for one of the country’s top heart hospitals
Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked as one of the best heart hospitals in the United States. In an August ranking from U.S. News & World Report, for example, Cleveland Clinic came in at No. 8.
Michael has more than 19 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.