MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'defibrillator'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:10:13 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158993&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcardiac-devices-causing-more-infections-whats-the-cause%2F2011.08.25 A new report published online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and reported in theHeart.org and elsewhere, suggests the infection rate of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CEID’s) between 1993 and 2008 has greatly increased from 1.53% in 2004 to 2.41% in 2008 (p < 0.001) with a dramatic rise in 2005: Click image to enlarge The authors explain this sudden increase on the basis of comorbities: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr. Wes* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158993 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:00:00 +0100 5158993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139732&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-difficulties-of-managing-implanted-medical-devices%2F2011.08.18 With the explosion of medical devices to treat various medical ailments in medicine, we have seen significant improvements in quality and quantity of life. An underappreciated consequence of all of these electronic device therapies, however, has been the manpower and expertise required to manage these implanted electronic medical devices long-term. Problems with electromagnetic interference (EMI) with medical devices are real. Innovations in medicine have come from various portions of the electromagnetic spectrum including analog and digital wireless technology, diagnostic and therapeutic radiation therapy and magnetic resonance imaging. The effects of these technologies on implanted electronic medical devices can vary and specialty physicians, ancillary health care providers, and medical ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139732 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:17:00 +0100 5139732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642592&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-government-is-not-keeping-up-with-medical-guidelines%2F2011.03.28 In case people are wondering if our governmental overlords really care about the latest and greatest treatment guidelines published by our professional health care organizations, take note. CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) is still using guidelines for defibrillator implantation from 2005 to justify payment for services in their national coverage decision, whereas the latest guidelines published by the Heart Rhythm Society published in 2008 carry signficiant differences in their recommendations for appropriate patients for this technology. So which set of guidelines should doctors use? The answer is obvious: if you use the latest data to decide who should receive a defibrillator, you might be subject to a Department of Justice investigation. So much for using updated guideli... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642592 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4642592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575055&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Funiversal-cardiac-screening-for-all-young-athletes%2F2011.03.11 It’s heart wrenching when young athletes die of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Last week the death of Wes Leonard, a Michigan high school star athlete, was especially poignant since he collapsed right after making the game-winning shot. This sort of tragedy occurs about one hundred times each year in America. That’s a lot of sadness. The obvious question is: Could these deaths be prevented? Let’s start with what actually happens. Most cases of sudden death in young people occur as a result of either hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), an abnormal thickening of heart muscle, or long QT syndrome (LQTS), a mostly inherited disease of the heart’s electrical system. Both HCM and LQTS predispose the heart to ventricular fibrillation — electrical chaos of the pumping chamber of the he... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575055 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:00:35 +0100 4575055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4565905&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Findependent-peer-reviewed-scientific-journals-just-how-independent-are-they%2F2011.03.09 On September 27, 2010, the peer-reviewed scientific journal Europace published online-before-print a case report entitled “Spontaneous explosion of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator” by Martin Hudec and Gabriela Kaliska. In the pdf of that case report a figure containing a color photo of the affected patient’s chest, chest X-ray, and two pictures of the extracted device (one seen here) were included. The pictures and case presentation were dramatic and the case very rare. Both were perfect reasons to report such an important case to the medical literature. And so these doctors sent the case to Europace on June 29, 2010, and the article was accepted after revision on August 16, 2010, with the article appearing online September 27, 2010. The authors must have felt v... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4565905 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4565905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4552056&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdont-treat-the-number-treat-the-patient%2F2011.03.05 In medicine we’re often reminded not to base our therapy solely on lab test results. Although it’s tempting to reduce patient care to a checklist of “normal” bloodwork targets, we all know that this is only a fraction of the total health picture. Today I made a mistake that brought this truism home: “Don’t treat the number, treat the patient.” I’m turning 40 this year and decided to make an ambitious fitness goal for myself — to be in better shape at 40 than I was at 30. No small feat for a person who used to be in good form a decade ago (not so much now, ahem). So, I joined a gym owned by an affable triathlete and invited her to make me her project. Let’s just say that Meredith believes that one piece of sprouted grain bread is t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4552056 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 20:06:03 +0100 4552056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4460036&cid=t_119049_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D172 In doing a quick review of the FDA’s website, I found that in the last 12 months alone there were over 70 external defibrillator recalls, which is significant considering in 2005, there were only nine defibrillator recalls.  In a market where external defibrillators are worth over $600 million per year, going from nine recalls to 70 in five years is a major cause for concern.    Over the years, I have been amazed at how far the technology has come; I can recall working with AC defibrillators that weighed more than 50 lbs.  For all their great size and weight, the extent of the technology was to generate one simple pulse.  Now, they have evolved to extremely small, portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and some are designed to use with very limited training.  But accor... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4460036 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:31:21 +0100 4460036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424237&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffire-department-app-theres-a-hero-in-all-of-us%2F2011.02.01 Just admit it: Deep in your heart you’ve always wanted to be an emergency medical technician, if at least for a few moments. If you’re located in San Ramon Valley, California, you can now live that dream: The local fire department has released an iPhone app that will alert you of any emergency activity in the area. The well thought-out application will send out a push notification to users who have indicated that they are proficient in CPR whenever there is a cardiac emergency nearby. In addition, the closest public-access automated external defibrillator (AED) is located by the app. Current response status of dispatched units are shown and incident locations are pinpointed on an interactive map. There’s even a log of recent incidents including a photo gallery. For the ol... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4424237 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:00:12 +0100 4424237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411716&cid=t_119049_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fed-silverman-interview-with.html Pharmalot: What behavior prompted you to blow the whistle on your employer?Donigian: When I started realizing they were using studies as a sales tool to get business. At first, I was kind of excited to get involved with clinical work. But when the patients weren’t meeting criteria for inclusion in the trials, I started raising questions. But they told me to enroll anybody and everybody or the physicians weren’t going to implant the devices. That’s when I started realizing we weren’t doing science.Read the full interview here. (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411716 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:54:00 +0100 4411716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4324794&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcan-a-bra-interact-with-a-pacemaker-or-defibrillator%2F2011.01.08 This comment [with a specific photo] was posted on my blog earlier: “I was reading one of your old posts about magnets and I was wondering if a magnetic front closure on a bra would be a problem? There’s a warning on the label but I know part of that is just due to liability. What about this bra that has a magnet clasp on the front? If the magnet hits right in between the breasts would it be close enough to the device that it could interfere? Also does having a magnet that close change the settings or turn off a defibrillator/pacemaker early? I’m sure most doctors would say just wear another bra but this bra in particular is very comfy! I’ve tried it on but not worn it for extended periods of time. Luckily this is one of the only major complaints I’ve had abo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4324794 Sat, 08 Jan 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4324794 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309666&cid=t_119049_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F04%2Fwhy-doctors-oversell-benefits-undersell-risks-and-side-effects%2F Virtually across the board of medicine and psychiatry, doctors will constantly and consistently oversell the benefits of a given treatment, and undersell the risks and side effects of it. This may not be as surprising when you look at some of the key factors into how medical and psychiatric treatment is learned and then conducted on patients. Why do doctors often oversell the benefits of a given treatment, and minimize the risks and side effects of it? 1. Treatment is rarely experienced first-hand. While you don’t need to undergo surgery to understand the benefits of surgery or how to do surgery, you will surely have a great appreciation to the patient’s perspective if every surgeon was required to get an appendectomy before being allowed to practice. Surgeons know, in most ca... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309666 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 20:24:09 +0100 4309666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4190157&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsudden-cardiac-arrest-how-fast-does-it-cause-unconsciousness%2F2010.11.21 How fast does sudden cardiac arrest cause unconsciousness? In just seconds. Here’s a video of Salamanca soccer player Miguel Garcia’s episode. At the start of the video, Mr. Garcia can be seen in the background of the image kneeling behind the players in the foreground. Watch carefully as he stands after tying his shoes. Although it is difficult to see, it appears an automatic external defibrillator arrives in about two minutes, though given the fact his shirt is still on as he’s taken from the field, we note the device is on his gurney as he’s hurried to a nearby ambulance. Reportedly, he survived this sudden cardiac arrest event: This was NOT a heart attack, but rather a loss of cardiac function caused by a rapid, often disorganized heart rhythm disorder. Compar... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4190157 Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:00:00 +0100 4190157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831356&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdefibrillator-concept-fun-for-the-kitchen-bad-for-the-er%2F2010.08.06 This clever and funny Toast/e/r (”ER” included in the name) is by designer Shay Carmon. Note the QRS complex grill:   Concept page: Toast/e/r… (via Gizmodo) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831356 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:00:31 +0100 3831356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733083&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdr-insurance-broker%2F2010.07.07 Call it sweet, delicious vindication. It was clinic day yesterday. No longer had I completed my rant in this blog about UnitedHealthcare’s program to require all cardiac elecrophysiologists to obtain a “notification number” before performing any pacemaker or defibrillator procedure, I discovered my letter from them dated June 3, 2010, on my desk stating that this requirement will begin September 1, 2010, for all Illinois electrophysiologists for “all electrophysiology procedures.” Not longer than an hour later I was seeing a 67-year-old patient in the clinic who asked me: “I just got my Medicare (Part A) card and must decide about which insurer I should use for Part B, C, D, E, and F,” he said jokingly. “Since I have the medical problem and... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733083 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:00:00 +0100 3733083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3635743&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fprovide-healthcare-get-investigated%2F2010.06.07 When I started medical school, if someone had told me that providing healthcare to my patients would be grounds for a Department of Justice inquiry into the care I delivered, I would have laughed in their face. But the government’s desperate financial times require desperate measures. From the Report on Medicare Compliance: Both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC) are focusing investigations on Medicare billing for implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) surgery. The reimbursement rate for ICD surgery is one of the higher dollar Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groupings (MS-DRG). The DOJ’s investigation is focusing on both medical necessity and MS-DRG coding validation issues, while the RACs are currently only conducting MS-DRG validation re... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3635743 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3635743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3603632&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fhow-cardiac-device-patients-are-like.html From Salon.com: Iron Man's powers are generated from an implant designed to keep his weakened heart from failing. Of course, there are differences in our individual circumstances. Tony Stark, the man beneath the Iron Man armor, designed his own implant in an effort to save himself from a piece of shrapnel traveling to his heart. Not only that, he created the device using material provided by his unwitting captors (Asian Reds in the original "Tales of Suspense" comic; Middle Eastern terrorists in the movie). I am not nearly that clever; my device was built by Medtronic, a Minneapolis company that was started in a garage and is now the largest medical device company in the world. We have so much in common, and yet I have so many things to learn from him. Sure he's a little smoother in social... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3603632 Thu, 27 May 2010 04:08:00 +0100 3603632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567922&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fcase-for-remote-medical-device.html With the recent reports of hacking ICD's, especially when a skilled set of engineers stand within six inches of the device, we can see the next Tom Clancy story line:"A famous head of state, lounging in the comfort of his home, suddenly is afflicted with a series of shocks from his defibrillator, then collapses to the floor. His aides, uncertain what just happen, attempt to revive him, to no avail. Meanwhile, in a country far, far away, the terrorists are exchanging high fives..."These threats, as we can clearly see, are a Clear and Present Danger. (I know, not very original, but you get the drift.)Not that security isn't important, it is. But should it be a show-stopper to innovation as we attempt to deliver care to our burgeoning patient population in the years ahead?The reality on the g... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567922 Sun, 16 May 2010 14:01:00 +0100 3567922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542630&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fsoftware-glitch-found-in-medtronics.html From 7thSpace: (Hong Kong) The Department of Health (DH) today (May 5) received notification from Medtronic International Limited (MIL), the local branch of a multi-national medical device manufacturer, that software problems in six of its implantable cardiac devices may risk life-threatening though rare malfunctioning. A DH spokesman said, the affected models are Consulta CRT-D (D234TRK), Secura DR/VR (D234DRG, D234VRC), Maximo II CRT-D (D284TRK) and Maximo II DR/VR (D284DRC, D284VRC).All except Maximo II VR (D284VRC) are distributed in Hong Kong. As of April 19 this year, the manufacturer has received five confirmed reports of defect out of approximately 144 000 devices sold worldwide.However, it is reassuring that no patient injury or death arising from the affected devices has been rep... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542630 Wed, 05 May 2010 22:26:00 +0100 3542630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529816&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fwhen-drugs-become-extinct.html Doctors are all familiar with marketing efforts to promote new drugs, but once the new drugs older drugs in the medical marketplace, who serves as advocates for the continued manufacture of older FDA-approved drugs? In a short answer: no one.For those of us dealing in cardiac arrhythmia management, this presents difficult challenges to patient care if people are unable to take the newer drugs due to side effects. These patients no longer have a fall-back option to turn to for medical therapy when the older drugs have become extinct on the marketplace.Examples of antiarrhythmics that have reached extinction status in the US include many of our older antiarrhythmic drugs such as procainamide, mexilentine or quinaglute.Take for instance a recent case: A older person with recurrent ventricular... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529816 Mon, 03 May 2010 22:43:00 +0100 3529816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3504940&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fnumbers.html Thirteen.Unlucky? Ejection fraction.Three.Coronaries.Clean.One hundred sixty-five.Milliseconds.QRS.Thirty two.Years.Defibrillator.Four hundred ninety.Pounds.* Sigh *One hundred one.Degrees.Reprieve.Thirty.Days.Afebrile.Thirteen.Thousand platelets.Later.Twenty-four.Respiration.Recumbent.One hundred.Thousand platelets.Now?-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3504940 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:45:00 +0100 3504940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494328&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fwhen-doctors-decide-damages.html In an interesting twist to the ongoing saga of device recalls, the Minneapolis Startribune reported that the two doctors, Robert Hauser, MD and Barry Maron, MD who first brought the Prism II ICD device malfunction to public attention by releasing their story to the New York Times in 2005, wrote a letter to the judge reviewing the plea bargain agreement and told him:We are physicians who cared for Joshua Okrup (eds note: should be "Oukrop"), a 21 year-old college student, who died when his Guidant Prizm 2 implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) short-circuited and failed to deliver a life-saving shock. His unnecessary death was caused by a product defect that Guidant Inc. had known about for years and failed to inform patients, physicians, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Acc... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494328 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:14:00 +0100 3494328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3382854&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fcase-of-appropriate-inappropriate-shock.html He was 60 year old man who underwent implantation of an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) implant approximately 3 years prior who was returning to the clinic for routine follow-up. He felt well and had no other complaints.He was connected to the EKG and the programmer's wand placed over the device. I interrogated his device and when the initial screen appeared, there it was: a single shock from his device, received two weeks ago."Mr. Smith, are you aware that you had an ICD shock about two weeks ago?""Yeah.""Why didn't you call us?""I don't know.""Did it bother you?""Not really.""Why not?"There was a pause. I looked up from the programmer and took a quick look at him. He was looking away. Instantly, I realized the answer."Never mind," I answered. "Here, I'll just change the VT detect... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3382854 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:51:00 +0100 3382854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366223&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fboston-scientific-issues-new-icd.html Despite the excitement of the American College of Cardiology meeting in Atlanta, Boston Scientific issued a self-reported advisory about all of their high-voltage defibrillators (pacers are not affected) stopping sales until "administrative issues" regarding a change in manufacturing processes and changes of their IS-4 lead connector. This advisory does NOT affect existing implanted devices, but rather halts the sales of further devices:The Company has determined that some manufacturing process changes were not submitted for approval to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). At this time, the company has identified two instances of changes that, while successfully validated, were not submitted to the FDA. Boston Scientific has informed the FDA and plans to work closely with the agenc... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366223 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:44:00 +0100 3366223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354357&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fturning-off-implanted-defibrillators.html End-of-life issues with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) and the need (or not) for deactivation policies is being discussed at the palliative medicine blog, Pallimed. Shoot on over and lend your $0.02 to the discussion.-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354357 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:22:00 +0100 3354357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3294619&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=36987&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FIvorKovicMd%2F%7E3%2FFOvjLCF6-Rw%2F A well known Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, writes about an interesting initiative among prostitutes in the Ticino region of Switzerland. Lugano, a city in this region, is known to be somewhat of a sex capital with more than 38 sex clubs, which are frequently visited by man from neighboring Italy. Some of these man do not come home alive. Let’s just say they died happy, if you know what I mean However, this is in no way good for business, so lovely ladies who work in these clubs decided to do something about it. They want to get trained in CPR, as well as equip their work place with automated external defibrillators (AED). An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ... Ivor Kovic, M.D. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3294619 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:44:14 +0100 3294619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287764&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fswiss-call-girls-offer-full.html ... all in the name of satisfied customers who will hopefully live long enough to assure payment:Prostitutes in the picturesque Swiss lakeside town of Lugano are adding defibrillation to their list of services following the death of several elderly punters whose hearts just couldn't take the pace.According to the Corriere della Sera, there are currently 38 brothels and sex clubs in the Lugano area, and more are planned to accommodate the rising tide of customers who pop over the border from Italy.For some, though, this proves to be a day trip too far. The most recent case was a pensioner who suffered a heart attack while enjoying Lugano's delights with the aid of "pharmaceutical assistance".Looks like we've done a good job getting the message out on the benefits of automatic external defib... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287764 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:31:00 +0100 3287764 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283559&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fpacemakers-and-defibrillators-in-dental.html Powerful magnets that can interfere with pacemakers and defibrillators can pop up in the strangest places, like dental chair headrests:A few months ago, Boston Scientific, one of the major manufacturers of pacemakers/ICDs, added a new caution to their contraindications for dental patients. They warn that if a patient has a pacemaker/ICD, and the dental chair has a magnetic headrest with strength over 10 gauss, the patient should NOT sit in the chair. The company states: “Some dental chairs contain magnets located in the headrest. If the pacemaker or defibrillator is programmed not to respond to a magnet, patients may sit in these chairs. If the implanted device is programmed to respond to a magnet and the magnet power is less than 10 gauss, patients may sit in these chairs. If the magnet... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283559 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 12:08:00 +0100 3283559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248553&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fhow-technology-is-straining-doctor.html Technology is an incredible thing.Technology is expensive.Technology saves lives.Technology can bankrupt.When there's no technology, are you a "bad" doctor for not following guidelines?When technology's used, are you a "bad" doctor because the patient has multiple comorbidities and the benefit for the implanted technology is questionable? It's become the yin and yang of medicine. An inconvenient truth.Medicine's technology is incredibly expensive, but incredibly valuable.But if the struggle isn't enough, along comes the press to skew the debate by "raising awareness" with our patients.Doctor, you need to "Get with the Guidelines." The subtitle with such an industry-sponsored trial and press report should be, "Oh, and business is off."The journal article at the heart of the Chicago Tribune ... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248553 Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:39:00 +0100 3248553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3156494&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fpotential-of-rfid-tag-readers-to.html RFID tags: they have become ubiquitous additions to our electronic and medical worlds, concealed in automatic automobile tolling systems, key fobs, store and drug packaging, pets and even humans. No doubt the trend will continue to grow.Recall that RFID tags are used to locate and tract objects and come in two varieties: passive and active. While active devices contain a small battery, passive devices require no battery since they get their energy from the reader that transmits a signal that is received by the RFID tag's antennae and returns a unique identifier signal to the reader.Surpisingly, it seems some lower frequency readers have the potential to interfere with implantable pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) when they are held in fairly close proximity to the implanted devi... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3156494 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:11:00 +0100 3156494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089320&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Flive-on-tv-implantable-cardiac.html As implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) are increasingly ubiquitous in society, it is not suprizing that their effects might be caught on television. We've already seen the remarkable benefit of an ICD correcting ventricular fibrillation in the professional Belgian soccer player, Anthony Van Loo, but when it happens to a conscious scientist at the 2009 Coppenhagen Climate Summit, it certainly turns heads:Danish physicist Henrik Svensmark was attending the Coppenhagen Climate Summit '09 and had three repetitive ICD firings recorded on live television. Reportedly he was rushed to a hospital and his condition stabilized.Implantable cardiac defibrillators fire when the ventricular heart rates exceed a pre-determined heart rate that is sustained for a predetermined number of heart beats. I... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089320 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:25:00 +0100 3089320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059737&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Ficd-implantation-hugh-hefner-style.html Well, at least it's one way to make a former tattoo three-dimensional:Just putting the sexy back... :)-WesPhoto used with patient permission.Musings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059737 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:19:00 +0100 3059737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059738&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fboston-scientific-issues-soft.html Boston Scientific recently issued a new device advisory for their current line of Teligen ICD and Cognis CRT-D automatic defibrillator devices. The advisory affects only those devices that are implanted beneath the breast muscle (subpectorally) on the chest wall. It seems two (2) devices implanted (of 77,000 total devices implanted worldwide) in this location experienced weakening of a header bond caused by significant forces applied to the header by the pectoralis muscle to the rib. This resulted in altered lead impedances and the introduction of noise to the defibrillator sensing lead that might inhibit pacing or result in inappropriate tachycardia therapies (shocks). The submuscular implantation location is an uncommon location to implant the devices. It is estimated that only 5% (3850)... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059738 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:44:00 +0100 3059738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2989174&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fproblems-with-low-energy-external.html Seems the FDA wants to know more:FDA is investigating energy levels in (automatic) external biphasic defibrillators (AEDs) with shocks ≤ 200 J. FDA has received reports of 14 events since 2006 in which a 200 J biphasic defibrillator was ineffective in providing defibrillation/cardioversion therapy to a patient, whereas a subsequent shock from a different 360 J biphasic defibrillator resulted in immediate defibrillation/cardioversion. The majority of events occurred during attempts at cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, but there was at least one instance with defibrillation of a ventricular arrhythmia as well. FDA is seeking additional information in order to interpret the significance of these events, and to determine whether FDA activities are advised.I haven't seen this, but others ... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2989174 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:31:00 +0100 2989174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934738&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fdefibrillators-and-video-pill.html A radiofrequency interference myth debunked:A new Mayo Clinic study suggests that video capsule endoscopy (CE), a procedure that uses wireless technology in diagnosing intestinal disease, is safe for patients with heart devices. Wireless electrical gadgets, such as cell phones, have been shown to interfere with implanted heart devices, including pacemakers and defibrillators. This risk has led medical experts to speculate that capsule endoscopy could similarly cause heart devices to fail. As a result, the noninvasive procedure has been contraindicated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with cardiac devices. Contraindication means an increased risk may be involved.Generally, the topic has remained in the subject of speculation, although several small studies have fo... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934738 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:24:00 +0100 2934738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916141&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fcsi-chicago-murder-victims-identified.html In a sad case here in Chicago, it is interesting to note that a person's pacemaker can help identify them if no other means of identification exists following a homicide:Ruby and Milton McClendon's bodies were discovered about 12:30 p.m. Monday in the Wentworth Woods of the Cook County Forest Preserve off Campbell Road between Pulaski and Michigan City Roads. An autopsy performed Tuesday determined that Milton McClendon died from a gunshot wound to the head and Ruby McClendon died from multiple gunshot wounds. Milton McClendon, who was identified through his heart pacemaker, was 78, and his wife was 76, records show.This is not the first time pacemakers have been used to determine critical identifying information or details (subscription) about the time of death. All patients implanted wit... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916141 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:17:00 +0100 2916141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886464&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Frationer.html Every cardiac electrophysiologist has been there: a relatively young individual in their 50’s presents to the Emergency Room short of breath, sitting bolt upright in bed and is found to be in congestive heart failure. This is not their first admission; several others have come before and each with a common theme: a positive urinary screen for cocaine.The EKG shows left bundle branch block. Catheterizations occur, coronary disease absent or moderate, discussions held, patient recommended for defibrillator or biventricular pacing to improve their heart failure after medications have been ineffective for the past year. The person seems sincere – “No more drugs, doc, really” – a line uttered near the conclusion of every one of the patient’s prior hospitalizations, but this time, re... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886464 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:21:00 +0100 2886464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862511&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fanother-way-defibrillators-prevent.html It seems they can stop bullets:A 61-year-old male presented to the emergency room with a gunshot wound to the upper left chest. He had a history of myocardial infarction, two coronary bypass graft surgeries, and intracoronary stents. The patient had chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 24%. He received a Medtronic Virtuoso-DR D154AWG (Minneapolis, MN) transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in 2007 for primary prophylaxis. Since implantation, he had never received ICD therapy but did atrial pace frequently. The ICD had been interrogated 2 weeks prior and was found to function normally. Despite the gunshot wound with an entry to the chest located just medial to the ICD generator, the patient remained alert with stable vital signs and ... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862511 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:52:00 +0100 2862511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807620&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2For-fires-and-pacemaker-implants.html "What we've been advocating for years is that the open delivery of oxygen under the drapes essentially has to stop," with some exceptions such as cardiac pacemaker surgery or operations involving a neck artery, Bruley said.-Associated PressMost pacemaker and defibrillator implants I know occur with one side of the drape lifted, so the patient can see and interact with the nurse or anethesiologist during a pacemaker or defibrillator implant and oxygen cannot collect beneath the drape. But in the case of a patient being draped so the drape remains completely covering the patient's face during deeper sedation, I could see how such a horrible thing could happen.Sheesh. Be careful out there.-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807620 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:01:00 +0100 2807620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796465&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Ficds-in-women-new-york-times-gets-it.html If there are potential "shortcomings in the data," then you shouldn't print a misleading title: "Survey Shows Heart Device Aids Men More Than Women." Rather, a better title would have been, "More Data are Needed to Understand the Effectiveness of Defibrillators in Women." Do we really want to withhold defibrillators from women on the basis of such a retrospective literature meta-analysis?But then, it's the New York Times.A much better review, including a comment on the study in question by yours truly and fellow EP blogger Dr. Rich Fogoros, can be found over at Larry Husten's Cardiobrief blog.-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796465 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:18:00 +0100 2796465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796466&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fanother-cool-icd-tattoo.html A friend of one of our device nurses who has an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) had a truly reflective moment recently when she tried to decide what would be a cool tattoo to don. She saw one of our t-shirts and used it as an inspiration for her tattoo. I must say, I like her design better:Heh.-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796466 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:56:00 +0100 2796466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2789001&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fimportance-of-blogs-and-device.html Yesterday, I reported on this blog the trouble Medtronic had experienced with and earlier batch of defibrillators due to a low-voltage capacitor problem from an outside supplier back in 2005 or 2006. The problem was identified in a relatively small number of devices and has not affected their devices' functionality, but the expected battery life of these batch of devices was discovered to be shorter than they had expected. A root cause analysis was undertaken and the capacitor issue was identified. After consulting their physician advisory panel, they elected to notify all doctors who implant their devices about the issue and provided the patients' names that they were aware of to doctors to help facilitate patient notification.Importantly, there was not a press release.Personally, I think... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2789001 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:58:00 +0100 2789001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2789003&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fnew-medtronic-defibrillator-advisory.html Today, an announcement was issued to doctors implanting Medtronic's Concerto and Virtuoso wireless implantable cardiac defibrillator's (ICDs) that a certain lot of 5,200 devices in the US of the total 158,000 implanted worldwide have demonstrated premature battery depletion due to a faulty battery capacitor containing porous copper. A total of 230 devices returned so far have demonstrated this problem. The capacitor was manufactured by an outside vendor, and more recent models of these devices manufactured reportedly no longer have this capacitor. The notification is not a recall and does suggest any of the devices have failed and no deaths have been reported as a result of this notification. It is recommended that physicians continue the routine follow-up of these devices every three mont... Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2789003 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:13:00 +0100 2789003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699616&cid=t_119049_105_f&fid=36987&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FIvorKovicMd%2F%7E3%2FN03vYQ9-JnY%2F I want to tell you a story about a father and his son. George senior and junior, obviously not Bush because this is a happy story :), but Ure. My friend George Ure jr. lives in Seattle and works as an emergency medical technician. His father on the other hand lives in Palestine, Texas. Not long ago a resident of this small town died after an accidental electrocution. Unfortunately, first responders who rushed to help were not equipped with a defibrillator, which in this case might have saved a life. George senior decided to do something about it, so he raised money and bought two automated external defibrillators (AED) for the local Fire Department. George junior then flew from Washington to teach fireman how to use these devices and hopefully save some lives in the future. Way to go fath... Ivor Kovic, M.D. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699616 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:25:29 +0100 2699616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144706&cid=t_119049_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F68dPnbcYjlQ%2F   For something that is a little smaller than an i Pod, the implantable cardioverter defibrillator carries quite a punch. The implant has small wires running to the chambers of the heart. If there is any disruption like ventricular fibrillation the implant sends off a burst of electricity to force the heart into a normal rhythm. Before the (ICD) an attack of ventricular fibrillation was often deadly. The implant works on the same premise as the heart paddles that are used in most emergency rooms or trauma centers, to shock a patient back to life. The invention of the (ICD) has given people with heart problems, a freedom that a few years ago was unheard of. A young mother in Washington State, has a new lease on life due to her implant. She said, “That she rarely notices that the (ICD... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2144706 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0100 2144706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1908881&cid=t_119049_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FfwNWQ9b1Sf0%2F If you have a heart-zapping defibrillator implanted in your chest, you’re not supposed to compete in sports any more intense than bowling or golf. Lots of patients ignore those guidelines, trying everything from school basketball teams and community tennis leagues to running marathons and rock climbing — although no one knows if the life-saving implants work as well under that kind of stress. Many of these athletes will now take part in a nationwide registry to see once and for all if this is a validated risk. Do the athletes need more “shocks” to the heart than other persons that would watch from the sidelines? Can the implanted defibrillators withstand a direct hit to the chest? This registry will hopefully be able to give us more answers. With more and more ICD’s being used to... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1908881 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:28:16 +0100 1908881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1502698&cid=t_119049_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F307686090%2F A little late but better then never! Last week was National CPR and Automatic External Defibrillator Awareness Week. With that being said, are you prepared to administer CPR at home if need be? According to the American Heart Association 80% of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home so being trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation can mean the difference between life and death for a loved one.     This is very important as it is pool and water season among the Northern hemisphere.  It is important to stay current with CPR as well- as it changes every so often based on research and clinical trials and practices. The number of chest compressions has increased as of late. Are you prepared? via KTEN.com Tags: aed, automatic defibrillator, awareness week, cardiac arrest, cpr, ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1502698 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:52:46 +0100 1502698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1047562&cid=t_119049_82_f&fid=34667&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaryngoscope.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F11%2Fshock-of-your-life.html Image used without permission from freepatentsonline.comI'm staffing a case down in the Electophysiology (EP) lab. Here is where the cardiologists look at the heart from the inside and do various procedures to help fix conduction abnormalities in the heart. They implant defibrillators and pacemakers in the EP labs. There was a young man on the table, we were getting ready to sedate him for a procedure for an irregular heartbeat. Our anesthesia monitors were being put on and I was looking at the chart. All of a sudden I saw the patient jump up... I thought he was trying to crawl off the bed. Then someone started apologizing....Apparently she was testing the external defibrillator. This is the device used to put a shock through a patient's chest to put it his/her heart back into a regular rh... i'm so sleepy blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1047562 Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:45:00 +0100 1047562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=952149&cid=t_119049_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F170216713%2Fmedtronic_inc_suspends_sale_of.html Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT) announced that it has stopped distribution of Sprint Fidelis leads due to a fracture that may have been a contributing factor in the death of five patients.A defibrillation system is a device that is implanted near the shoulder with one or more leads connecting the device to the heart. The device monitors the patient's heart and if it senses an abnormal rhythm, it sends an electronic shock to reset the heart to a normal beat.“There is nothing more important to us than the safety and well-being of patients,” said Bill Hawkins, president and chief executive officer of Medtronic. “We take all matters of product quality very seriously and believe this action is the right thing to do given currently available information.” Indicati... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=952149 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:30:05 +0100 952149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=832563&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F30%2Fshould-defibrillators-be-required-in-every-school%2F Filed under: Prevention, Research, Women Heart Health, Men Heart Health, Children Heart HealthI didn't realize this, but there's a nationwide campaign to put portable defibrillators, or AEDs, in every school. Proponents want the defibrillators in place to protect kids who may suffer a cardiovascular event, as well as adults in the school building. But a recent study out of Seattle questions the logic of spending $1000-$3000 on the equipment in every school, when there may not be a need.Researchers found that few cardiovascular events happen among school aged children as it is, and that an AED would most likely be used on adults who happened to be in the building. They also found that those adults were more likely to be in junior and senior high schools (for sports programs, etc.) so AEDs m... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=832563 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 832563 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828372&cid=t_119049_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F146524563%2F If you have a heart-zapping defibrillator implanted in your chest, you’re not supposed to compete in sports any more intense than bowling or golf. Lots of patients ignore those guidelines, trying everything from school basketball teams and community tennis leagues to running marathons and rock climbing — although no one knows if the life-saving implants work as well under that kind of stress. Many of these athletes will now take part in a nationwide registry to see once and for all if this is a validated risk. Do the athletes need more “shocks” to the heart than other persons that would watch from the sidelines? Can the implanted defibrillators withstand a direct hit to the chest? This registry will hopefully be able to give us more answers. With more and more ICD&#8217... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828372 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:32:20 +0100 828372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=814188&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F08%2F21%2Fathletes-and-internal-defibrillators-can-they-live-together-in%2F Filed under: ResearchThe current standard for anyone with an implanted defibrillator is that they should avoid participating and competing in intense sports of any kind, but the younger the patient the less compliant they often are. And with more and more younger patients getting ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) it's becoming more and more important to get a clear understanding of exactly how the devices are affected by physical activity. As of now doctors warn against playing in sports just because they have no idea how strenuous exercise, adrenaline, and physical jolts/impacts can affect defibrillators. They assume it's all risky, but they really don't know for sure, which is prompting new research. Seems like this is a quality of life issue, really. Taking care of yourself... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=814188 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 814188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=612075&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F17%2Flittle-company-helps-big-industry%2F Filed under: Daily newsThere are many relationships in life where a big someone needs the help of a small someone to succeed, or to survive. It's like a celebrity thanking "all the little people." Not that they really do that anymore, but you get the idea. Well Cambridge Heart, a small company manufacturing heart stress test equipment is in a position to do just that for the slowing $6 billion dollar I.C.D. (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) industry.The industry has been struggling slightly due to difficulties balancing the high costs ($50,000 per patient) and limited lifespan of the equipment (approx 5 years) with figuring out exactly who needs these devices. As many as 80% of people who have an ICD won't "use" it in its lifetime.So where does Cambridge Heart come in? They provide ... The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=612075 Thu, 17 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 612075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=612089&cid=t_119049_87_f&fid=34866&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thecardioblog.com%2F2007%2F05%2F15%2Finternal-defibrillators-may-need-to-be-reprogrammed%2F Filed under: Prevention, Aging Heart HealthPatients with implanted defibrillators may be better served to have them reprogrammed. In many situations where the internal devices are currently set to deliver shocks, research shows that giving a stream of electric pulses instead (much like a pacemaker) would be more effective. In addition, setting the defibrillators to deliver shocks less frequently by ignoring some types of heartbeat irregularities also appears to be beneficial. Basically, defribillators are a good idea and do save lives, but may be doing it in an "unnecessarily harsh way."Unnecessarily harsh? Who needs that!Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments (Source: The Cardio Blog) The Cardio Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=612089 Tue, 15 May 2007 04:00:00 +0100 612089