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Doctors at the Florence Wormald Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth Healthcare have successfully implanted the Aurora EV-ICD™ system, a new device designed to treat abnormal heart rhythms and prevent sudden cardiac arrest. This marks the first such procedure in Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region, performed by Dr. J. Christian Hays on January 12, 2024.
The Aurora EV-ICD system, developed by Medtronic and approved by the FDA in October 2023, offers a novel approach to managing arrhythmias—conditions where the heart's electrical system malfunctions, potentially leading to sudden cardiac arrest. Unlike traditional implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), which use leads threaded through veins into the heart, this new device places its leads outside of both the heart and veins.
Dr. Hays highlighted the benefits of this technology: “The Aurora EV ICD is an extravascular ICD with Antitachycardial pacing (ATP) and post shock pacing capabilities," he said. "We are the first in Kentucky, Indiana and certainly Cincinnati to place this new life saving technology.”
This innovative device is positioned below the left armpit with leads under the breastbone. It continuously monitors heartbeats and can correct irregular rhythms by sending electrical signals or shocks if necessary.
Dr. D.P. Suresh expressed enthusiasm about offering this advanced treatment option: “We’re excited to be the first health system in Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati region to offer this new-to-market device,” he stated. “We must offer every life-saving option for our community.”
The Aurora EV-ICD could benefit patients diagnosed with arrhythmias such as tachycardia or those who have experienced heart failure or previous cardiac arrests.
