Milestone in Cardiac Innovation Northeast's First External Defibrillator Implant Offers Advanced Solution for Rapid Heart Rhythm

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— A groundbreaking achievement has been reached by a cardiac electrophysiologist at St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute, marking the first instance in the Northeast (beyond clinical trials) of successfully implanting a cutting-edge defibrillator external to the heart and veins. Only about 50 have been implanted nationwide. This innovative approach aims to address patients suffering from dangerously rapid heart rhythms, a condition that could potentially lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

 

Medtronic's revolutionary Aurora Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (EV-ICD) system distinguishes itself from conventional methods because it allows cardiologists to position the lead (or wire) beneath the breastbone, situated outside the heart and veins. It delivers lifesaving defibrillation and anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy all in one system via a single implanted device that is similar in size, shape, and projected longevity to traditional ICDs.

 

Dr. Ali Al-Mudamgha, director of cardiac electrophysiology services at St. Joseph’s Health, performed the first two of these minimally invasive procedures on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Each surgery took less than an hour.

 

“The Aurora EV-ICD system allows us to offer patients the benefits of traditional ICDs, while reducing certain risks that come with placing leads in the heart or veins,” said Dr. Al-Mudamgha. “We strive to deliver high-quality patient care, and this technology is another step forward in providing our patients with the latest clinical advancements to manage their cardiac condition.”

 

Sarah Kennedy, a 46-year-old Ilion resident, was the first patient in the Northeast to receive the new Medtronic implantable defibrillator. She lives with dilated cardiomyopathy, a disorder that causes the heart to lose its ability to pump blood well. As a result, she was at risk of cardiac arrest.

 

“I have had heart issues for 15 years now,” she said. “I knew this day was coming for a while. I’m happy to have this new device and to be the one fortunate enough to be receiving it. I hope this helps me live a long, healthy life.”

 

The second patient, Ken Cornelius from Oswego, has had multiple heart attacks. Dr. Al-Mudamgha said Ken’s heart muscle is weak and he had signs that he was at high risk of developing a cardiac arrest.

 

“We did an electrophysiology study on him, and we were able to provoke a lethal heart rhythm disorder. So, he got the defibrillator for secondary prevention,” said Dr. Al-Mudamgha.

 

Dr. Al-Mudamgha said both surgeries were seamless, and the clinical team was unbelievable.

 

“When this saves somebody’s life and they call you because it fired and they say, ‘Oh my God, it went off!’ And you know the alternative to not having it, is we wouldn’t be having this conversation. That’s the most gratifying part because we know it saved their life,” he said.

 

The Medtronic EV-ICD system underwent a comprehensive global pivotal study, encompassing 356 patients across 46 hospitals in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. During the study, the EV-ICD System demonstrated an impressive defibrillation success rate of 98.7% and successfully met its safety endpoints, ensuring freedom from major system and/or procedural complications at the six-month post-implantation mark. The results were documented in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Dr. Al-Mudamgha is hoping to perform a few more of these implantations this month. His colleague, Dr. Magdy Migeed, is also undergoing training.

 

"St. Joseph’s Health Hospital takes the lead in providing state-of-the-art cardiovascular care,” said Dr. Al-Mudamgha. “Our commitment to offering the most advanced implantable defibrillator positions us as pioneers in electrophysiology and cardiac care, setting the standard for the region and the nation."

 

 

St. Joseph’s Health, a non-profit health care system in Syracuse, NY, has been a trailblazer in the field since 1869, when it became the city’s first public hospital. Its commitment to exceptional care is evident in a network of primary, specialized, and partner care facilities, providing a range of services to promote long-term health in the communities we serve. St. Joseph’s has been ranked by Consumer Reports among the top 15 heart surgery centers in the country, is a designated Primary Stroke Center, and is consistently named a Best Regional Hospital and #1 in the Syracuse Metro area by US News and World Report. St. Joseph’s Health is dedicated to excellence, innovation, and compassionate patient care. From pioneering ambulance services in Syracuse to being the first in Central New York to use DaVinci robotic surgery technology in an outpatient facility, St. Joseph’s legacy of firsts demonstrates its ongoing commitment to leading medical advancements. Affiliated with St. Joseph’s Physicians and a member of Trinity Health, St. Joseph’s Health is your trusted partner in health, combining a rich history with a forward-thinking approach to ensure the health and well-being of our communities.

 

 

Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic health care systems in the nation. It is a family of 115,000 colleagues and nearly 26,000 physicians and clinicians caring for diverse communities across 25 states. Nationally recognized for care and experience, the Trinity Health system includes 88 hospitals, 131 continuing care locations, the second largest PACE program in the country, 125 urgent care locations and many other health and well-being services. Based in Livonia, Michigan, its annual operating revenue is $20.2 billion with $1.2 billion returned to its communities in the form of charity care and other community benefit programs.