Medtronic Rolls Out Newest CRT Pacemaker

Medtronic on Monday announced the launch of its Viva cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker in the U.S., following FDA premarket approval. The device, the first CRT-P to feature the exclusive AdaptivCRT algorithm, is indicated for patients with heart failure or atrioventricular block.

According to the Minneapolis, Minn., devicemaker, the algorithm cotinuously adjusts to the patient’s needs, creating a patient-specific therapy. The algorithm not only improves the response of heart failure patients to therapy, but reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation, the company adds.

In clinical trials, the AdaptivCRT algorithm reduced 30-day hospital readmissions for heart failure by 47 percent and AF-related healthcare utilization by 55 percent. The AdaptivCRT Trial also showed a 12 percent higher CRT response rate over six months compared with historical CRT trials, Medtronic says.

The device provides insight into the patient’s physical condition as well, using diagnostics tools like OptiVol fluid status monitoring and Cardiac Compass Report to recognize patients at risk of being rehospitalized within 30 days of discharge, the company notes. — Kellen Owings

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