MLMH Physician First in State to Implant New CRT-D
HASTINGS —A Hastings Heart Institute physician is the first in the state to implant a new cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). The Unify CRT-D features advanced battery technology and circuitry that allows for the smallest device footprint in the industry and rapid charge times, without any compromise in device longevity or power.
The Unify CRT-D can deliver 40J of energy, the highest of any implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) available today. This high-energy capability is particularly important for patients who have an enlarged heart, low ejection-fraction, advanced heart failure or previously demonstrated a high defibrillation threshold (the amount of energy required to shock the heart back to a normal rhythm).
Pradipta Chaudhuri, M.D., a cardiologist at the Hastings Heart Institute, implanted the Unify, a St. Jude Medical device featuring advanced sensing technology and anti-tachycardia pacing, which attempts to painlessly convert fast ventricular arrhythmias back to a normal rhythm, without risking a significant delay in the necessary therapy for rhythms that require it. The device is also designed to reduce inappropriate or unnecessary defibrillation therapy, while ensuring effective therapy occurs when the patient needs it.
The Unify CRT-D’s narrow shape allows Dr. Chaudhuri to implant the device using a smaller incision. This leads to a more efficient procedure and a reduced scar for the patient. The SJ4 lead connector system further streamlines the procedure by reducing the number of set screws and connections between the defibrillation lead and the device, which can improve patient comfort by reducing the bulk of wires in the patient’s chest.
A CRT-D device resynchronizes the beating of the heart's lower chambers (ventricles), which often beat out of sync in heart failure patients, and provides back-up treatment for SCD, which is a risk factor associated with certain types of heart failure. Studies have shown that CRT (cardiac resynchronization therapy) can improve the quality of life for many patients with heart failure.