Biotronik launches the world's smallest ICD and CRT-D devices Acticor and Rivacor to treat atrial fibrillation

Biotronik announced the European market release of the world’s smallest ICD ((implantable cardioverter defibrillator)) and CRT-D ((cardiac resynchronisation)) devices that are approved for 3 Tesla (3T) full-body MRI scans. Devices in the Acticor and Rivacor families are only 10 mm slim, with a smooth and elliptical BIOshape that facilitates the insertion procedure. They are CE Marked.

“The slenderness and smoother shape of the new devices play a key role in easing the insertion procedure and improving how the device looks after implantation,” reported Dr. Iain Matthews, Northumbria Healthcare, UK, following his first implantations of the devices.

More than 90% of implanting physicians rated “patient comfort” as “better” or even “much better” in comparison with previous models during post-market observation. Besides their body-friendly shape, Acticor and Rivacor devices feature an extended battery life, with up to 15 years for ICDs3 and nine years for CRT-Ds4. Increased device longevity is designed to lower the need for device replacements, resulting in reduced risks, less distress for patients, and fewer procedure costs. The new range of devices are also supported by a fully warranty of 10 years for ICDs and six years for CRT-Ds.

With Biotronik Home Monitoring , cardiovascular data from an Acticor or Rivacor device can be transmitted to the physician on a daily basis with programmable alerts about relevant changes in patient health and device status. The IN-TIME randomized controlled trial has demonstrated more than 60% reduction in all-cause mortality when CRT-Ds are used with Biotronik Home Monitoring. In ICDs, Home Monitoring has been clinically proven to help physicians detect atrial fibrillation earlier , as well as reduce the number of inappropriate shocks by 90% and related hospitalization rates by 73% . Biotronik Home Monitoring’s new QuickCheck feature gives access to patient data typically within three to four minutes.