Author: Sherry Farney
McLaren Flint, part of statewide McLaren Health Care, has expanded its cardiovascular capabilities and, in doing so, became one of the first hospitals in the country to successfully implant a next-generation cardioverter-defibrillator for patients with dangerously fast or abnormal heart rhythms.
McLaren Flint electrophysiologist Dr. Madar Abed was one of the first to implant the Aurora Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (EV-ICD) ™ for patients whose conditions affecting their heart’s electrical impulses puts them at increased risk for sudden cardiac arrest, an often-life-threatening attack.
“We strive to deliver high-quality patient care, and this technology is another step forward in providing our patients with the latest clinical advancements to manage their cardiac condition,” said Dr. Abed. “The Aurora EV-ICD system allows us to offer patients the benefits of traditional ICDs while reducing certain risks associated with placing leads in the heart or veins.”
An implantable cardio-defibrillator is a small, battery-powered device placed in the chest. It continuously monitors the heartbeat and, should it detect an abnormality, can deliver electric shocks through lead wires in order to return the heart to its normal rhythm.
Traditional ICD leads are inserted into the blood vessel and advanced into the heart for effective placement. The next-generation, FDA-approved Aurora EV-ICD leads are placed under the breastbone and remain outside the heart and blood vessels while still being able to deliver the lifesaving defibrillation electrical shock to return the heart to regular rhythm.
“The motivation of our investments in the latest medical technologies are to continuously enhance our care and service offerings and share their benefits to our patients,” said Chris Candela, McLaren Flint President and CEO. “This expansion of our cardiovascular program, through the addition of the EV-ICD, has allowed us to remain a trusted provider in the region and further advance the confidence our surrounding communities have in knowing that an exceptional level of care is available close to home.”
This updated approach and device lowers patients’ risks for certain complications and enhances their overall experience while living with the condition.
“McLaren Flint has routinely introduced the latest technology and care procedures to the region, and we are pleased to continue that practice with the Aurora EV-ICD,” said Dr. Varsha Moudgal, McLaren Flint Chief Medical Officer. “The minimally invasive nature of the procedure and its updated, innovative approach increases the patient population who can benefit from this lifesaving technology and fight back against the potentially devastating effects of heart disease.”
The minimally invasive implantation procedure avoids any open-heart surgery, taking just over an hour and requiring two small incisions. The majority of patients are able to return home the same day.
For more information on cardiovascular care at McLaren Flint and to meet the clinical team, visit mclaren.org/flintheart.
About McLaren Flint
McLaren Flint is a 378 bed tertiary teaching facility located in Flint, Michigan. McLaren Flint is affiliated with Michigan State University (MSU) College of Human Medicine in its medical and surgical residency programs, including family practice, internal medicine, general surgery, and orthopedic surgery. McLaren Flint also maintains fellowship programs in clinical health psychology, vascular surgery, minimally invasive surgery and cardiology in partnership with MSU. The hospital is certified as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, a Gold Plus Comprehensive Stroke Center (Joint Commission), and a BCBSM Blue Distinction Center+ for Spine Surgery, Cardiac Care and OB services. Cancer accreditations include the American College of Radiology Radiation Oncology Practice Accreditation and the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, American Society of Clinical Oncology. Learn more at mclaren.org/flint.
About McLaren Health Care
McLaren Health Care, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan, is a $6.6 billion, fully integrated health care delivery system committed to quality, evidence-based patient care and cost efficiency. The McLaren system includes 13 hospitals in Michigan, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, a 490-member employed primary and specialty care physician network, commercial and Medicaid HMOs covering more than 732,838 lives in Michigan and Indiana, home health, infusion and hospice providers, pharmacy services, a clinical laboratory network and a wholly owned medical malpractice insurance company. McLaren operates Michigan’s largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Karmanos Cancer Institute, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. McLaren has 28,000 full-, part-time and contracted employees and more than 113,000 network providers throughout Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Learn more at mclaren.org.