FDA Approves Medtronic's New Lead and Defibrillators
Medtronic said Thursday it has received FDA approval to market the Attain Performa Model 4298 quadripolar lead and Viva Quad XT and Viva Quad S cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators. The devices will be available to physicians in mid-September, the Minnesota devicemaker said.
The left-heart quadripolar lead has four electrodes and connects the implanted defibrillator to a patient’s heart. The lead features 16 pacing configurations and shorter spacing between two center electrodes, giving doctors the ability to treat varying anatomies, Medtronic said. It also reduces the occurrence of phrenic nerve stimulation, a potential side effect that can cause muscle twitching, hiccups or shortness of breath.
The Viva Quad XT defibrillator features Medtronic’s AdaptivCRT algorithm, which preserves normal heart rhythms and allows the physician to customize the patient’s. The defibrillator also incorporates VectorExpress technology, which helps physicians select optimal pacing configurations and reduce programming time, the devicemaker said. — Kellen Owings
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