Groundbreaking Technologies Unveiled for Arrhythmia Treatment at UMC Heart Center
The University Medical Center (UMC) Heart Center in Astana recently held a master class on the transvenous extraction of cardioverter defibrillator electrodes, with a focus on the innovative EMBLEM™ S-ICD System. This subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) offers a safer alternative to traditional ICDs, particularly for patients at risk of complications from transvenous leads.
During the master class, experts from Russia, doctors from the center, and specialists from regional clinics gathered to learn about the EMBLEM™ S-ICD System. Participants attended a series of lectures and performed four extraction surgeries, gaining valuable hands-on experience with the new technology.
The EMBLEM™ S-ICD System is designed to treat cardiac arrhythmias without requiring the insertion of electrodes into the heart itself. Instead, the device is implanted under the skin above the sternum, while the pulse generator is placed on the left side of the chest near the ribs. This design avoids direct contact with the heart and blood vessels, minimizing the risk of serious complications such as infection, lead displacement, or vascular injury.
ICDs are typically implanted in the left shoulder area near the collarbone. They are used to treat severe tachycardia and arrhythmias, responding to rapid heart contractions or sudden cardiac arrest by delivering electrical impulses that restore a normal heart rhythm. However, the wires attached to the inner wall of the heart in traditional ICDs carry risks such as infection, lead fracture, and vascular damage.
In comparison, the EMBLEM system does not require an electrode to be inserted into the heart. This minimizes the risk of lead-related complications, allowing for easier and quicker extraction if device removal is needed. The system is suitable for patients of various ages and clinical profiles, making it an attractive option for those at higher risk of lead complications.
Additionally, the implantation of the EMBLEM system can be performed under regional anesthesia, such as Serratus regional anesthesia, avoiding general anesthesia and enabling faster recovery with less discomfort.
In summary, while traditional ICDs have proven effective in reducing sudden cardiac death by detecting and terminating life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, the EMBLEM™ S-ICD offers a safer alternative primarily in terms of procedural risk and long-term complications related to the leads placed inside the heart. The EMBLEM™ S-ICD is effective in treating cardiac arrhythmias and is considered a safer alternative to traditional ICDs for many patients, especially those at risk for complications from transvenous leads.
The acquired knowledge from the master class will be used in practice to improve the quality of medical services and expand medical expertise across the country. The University Medical Center Heart Center continues to implement new treatments for cardiac arrhythmias, including the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). For more information, visit the UMC Heart Center's website.
Photo credits for the information provided are from the UMC press service.
Science and health-and-wellness professionals discussed the benefits of the EMBLEM™ S-ICD System, a medical-condition focused innovation in cardiovascular health, during a recent master class at the University Medical Center (UMC) Heart Center in Astana. This device, designed to treat cardiac arrhythmias with minimal invasiveness, aims to reduce the risks associated with traditional ICDs, particularly those related to electrode insertion into the heart and vascular injuries.
