Medtronic Inc. (NYSE: MDT) has launched in Europe a line of implantable cardioverter defibrillators that are designed to reduce unnecessary shocks.
The company’s Protecta ICDs and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices feature six algorithms to reduce inappropriate shocks, which can affect 20 percent of patients who have implantable defibrillators, according to a statement from the company. Medtronic calls the algorithms its SmartShock technology.
ICD systems consists of a battery-powered pulse generator connected onto the heart through thin wires snaked through the patient’s veins. The system detects abnormal electrical activity in the heart and shocks it back into rhythm.
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The Protecta line received European regulatory approval in March. It hasn’t been approved by Food and Drug Administration for U.S. sales.
Revenue in Medtronic’s cardiac disease rhythm management division grew 5 percent in fiscal 2010 to $5.3 billion. The unit received a boost earlier this year when rival Boston Scientific pulled its entire inventory of ICDs and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices off the market due to manufacturing problems.
