Kent Nilsson, M.D., and Trent Magruder, M.D., Piedmont Heart Institute physicians who are based at Piedmont Athens Regional, are among the first surgeons in Georgia to successfully implant a novel extravascular defibrillator to treat patients with dangerously fast heart rhythms, a condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The Medtronic Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (EV-ICD) system, which is composed of the Aurora EV-ICD™ MRI SureScan™, the Epsila EV™ MRI SureScan™ debilitation lead, and proprietary implant tools, received FDA approval in October 2023.

“At Piedmont Athens, 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. Magruder.

The Aurora EV-ICD system is a first-of-its-kind defibrillator with the lead placed under the breastbone, outside of the heart and veins. It delivers lifesaving defibrillation and anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy all in one system via a single implanted device that is similar in size, shape, and projected longevity to traditional, transvenous ICDs.

“For many years, internal defibrillation devices have been used to restore a normal heartbeat when an arrhythmia is detected by sending an electric pulse to the heart,” explained Dr. Nilsson. “With this new implantable device, we can place a small, battery-powered device below the armpit and the lead under the breastbone, thus significantly reducing the risk of long-term complications associated with leads in the heart and veins.”

The Aurora EV-ICD is implanted below the left armpit, and the Epsila EV defibrillation lead is placed under the breastbone using a minimally invasive approach. Placing the leads outside the heart and veins is designed to help avoid long-term complications that may be associated with transvenous leads, such as vessel occlusion (narrowing, blockage or compression of a vein) and risks for blood infections.

To learn more about cardiovascular services at Piedmont, visit piedmont.org/heart.