KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 – Institut Jantung Negara (IJN), Malaysia’s premier and Southeast Asia largest cardiac centre, has achieved another milestone as the first in Southeast Asia to successfully implant a pioneering extravascular implantable defibrillator (ICD).
The Aurora Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (EV-ICD), a first-of-its-kind device developed by Medtronic, provides hope for patients vulnerable to sudden cardiac arrests caused by abnormally fast heart rhythms.
In a statement on Friday, IJN announced that the inaugural Aurora EV-ICD implant procedure was conducted by Datuk Dr. Azlan Hussin, Clinical Director of Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices. The patient is currently recovering as expected.
“The Aurora EV-ICD system is designed to monitor the heart’s rhythm continuously, delivering a precisely timed electric shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm, when necessary, in patients at risk for sudden cardiac deaths,” the statement read.
In addition to delivering life-saving defibrillation and anti-tachycardia pacing in a single implantable system, EV-ICD bypasses the traditional manner of ICD implantation as it is implanted outside of the circulatory system, said the statement.
It added that this unique feature provides advantages and offers an alternative option to selected patients who require an ICD but encounter barriers to conventional implantation methods.
In the same statement, Dr Azlan explained that this novel solution is an alternative to traditional defibrillator implantation techniques.
“Conventional ICDs usually have their leads run through the veins directly into the heart. However, EV-ICD has its lead positioned outside the heart and veins.
“This goes a long way in eliminating the risk of long-term complications we see with transvenous leads, such as blood infections.
“It also overcomes the challenges of vascular blockages preventing lead placement as well, in selected patients who require the protection of an ICD, yet require the preservation of vascular integrity,” said Dr Azlan.
IJN stated that the device is integrated with Medtronic’s CareLink network, which enables healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ heart conditions and detect possible issues and complications from the onset.
“In a published study involving 356 patients at 46 hospitals worldwide, EV- was shown to have a defibrillation success rate of 98.7 percent. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, also found that the device met safety goals by having no major system or procedural complications six months after the implant,” it said.
Meanwhile, IJN chief executive officer Datuk Dr Aizai Azan Abdul Rahim said the institute has always been at the forefront of medical innovation, and the Aurora EV-ICD is a testament to that legacy.
“Today’s achievement further underscores the relentless commitment of our entire team to push the boundaries of what is possible,” he said.
