Abbott has announced the launch of its new implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) devices, bringing the most advanced heart rhythm management capabilities along with a new set of benefits to people in India with abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure.

The devices offer new opportunities for patient engagement and remote monitoring through smartphone connectivity and connected applications. Additional benefits include a patient preferred design, improved battery longevity and MRI compatibility.

India was the only country outside the European Union where a "New Technology Assessment," which includes physician feedback surveys, for this new portfolio of high voltage (HV) and CRT-D devices took place. The first implant in India was conducted earlier in the year by Dr. Balbir Singh, Chairman & Head of Cardiology, Max Group of Hospitals, New Delhi. 

"There is seamless connectivity between the device and the programmer. In fact, the first transmission made with the patient’s phone was completed within a few seconds," Dr. Balbir Singh said. "It’s really fast."

In addition to enhanced remote monitoring capabilities, this CRT-D system includes multiple point pacing and optimization features to help more patients respond to CRT therapy.

Also, the ICD device includes Abbott's tailored therapy suite to help physicians more intuitively program their patient's devices. By incorporating these features into the new systems, Abbott continues to prioritize therapy built around a patient's specific programming needs to ensure they respond to treatment in the most effective way.

Abbott has designed these devices with a secure lifecycle approach, which includes using the latest cybersecurity controls and partnering with industry cybersecurity experts to provide input into the design and testing of these controls.  This approach provides the ability to more seamlessly update the device as cybersecurity threats evolve in the future. The design does not compromise on battery longevity or high voltage output.