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Fort Smith
Physicians at Mercy Fort Smith are among the first in Arkansas to implant a new type of defibrillator that helps protect patients from dangerously fast heart rhythms, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
On Feb. 2, Dr. Andre’ Nolewajka and the cardiac catheterization laboratory team at Mercy Fort Smith performed the hospital’s first implant of the Medtronic Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter‑Defibrillator (EV‑ICD). The defibrillator is the first of its kind because its lead – the thin, flexible wire that connects the device to the heart – is placed under the breastbone, not inside the heart or veins like a traditional ICD.
The EV-ICD can deliver lifesaving shocks and pacing therapy using a single device that’s similar in size and shape to traditional defibrillators, but the positioning of the device can reduce some possible future complications, Dr. Nolewajka said. The device is implanted below the left armpit, and its lead is positioned using a minimally invasive approach. Keeping the lead outside the heart and veins may reduce issues such as vein blockage or blood infections.
“Being able to offer this new EV‑ICD system is an exciting step forward for our cardiac patients,” he said. “Because the lead sits outside the heart and veins, we can provide strong, reliable protection from dangerous heart rhythms with fewer long‑term risks. It’s rewarding to bring advanced options like this to our community.”
The Medtronic Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter‑Defibrillator was recently approved by the FDA. The EV‑ICD system was studied in 356 patients across 46 hospitals worldwide, showing a 98.7% success rate in delivering defibrillation and meeting key safety goals six months after implantation. Results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Click here to find out more about Mercy’s Comprehensive Heart and Vascular Care in Fort Smith. A video illustration can be found on the Medtronic website here.
