St Jude Medical obtains CE Mark for heart device

The AnalyST implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with ST Monitoring is said to be the industry’s first device to continuously monitor specific changes in the heart’s electrical system which can indicate conditions such as ischemia (which occurs when the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle is obstructed). This new monitoring capability may give physicians earlier and more accurate insight into cardiac problems and may help reduce patient risks.

According to the company, the AnalyST ICD provides continuous information and high-fidelity electrograms from the inside of the heart for accurate detection of a wide range of ST segment changes. When combined with other data available to physicians, ST segment information reportedly helps physicians make better-informed, evidence-based decisions for patient care.

Eric Fain, president of the St Jude Medical’s cardiac rhythm management division, said: Unlike a diagnostic surface ECG, the AnalyST ICD continuously monitors and reports ST-segment changes over time while the patients go about their normal daily activities. This device gives physicians insight into a patient’s condition while potentially improving care for patients who may be at risk for dangerous heart-related conditions.