Aurora EV-ICD™ System
Aurora EV-ICD System Treats Abnormal Heart Rhythm and Prevents Sudden Cardiac Arrest
An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) occurs when the heart’s electrical system quits working correctly. An arrhythmia is also called a heart rhythm disorder.
Arrhythmias can cause the heart to stop beating (sudden cardiac arrest).
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are devices doctors use to treat arrhythmias. ICDs are implanted under the skin and connected to the heart via thin wires (leads). These leads monitor the heart for rhythm changes and send electrical signals to the heart to correct an irregular heartbeat.
St. Elizabeth Healthcare now offers an alternative to traditional ICDs. The Aurora EV-ICD™ system uses leads placed outside the heart and veins, reducing the risk of vein or heart damage or infection.
What is the Aurora EV-ICD?
The Aurora EV-ICD™ is a small, implantable device used to monitor the heart for an arrhythmia and return the heart to a normal rhythm.
Aurora EV-ICD™ is unlike traditional ICDs, whose leads are threaded through a vein into the heart. Instead, the Aurora EV-ICD™ system’s leads are placed outside the heart and veins. It is implanted below the left armpit, and the device’s leads are placed under the breastbone.
Once implanted, the Aurora EV-ICD™ monitors a person’s heartbeat 24/7. If it detects an irregular heart rhythm or one that’s too fast, the device sends an electrical signal through the lead to the heart. This signal corrects the heart rate.
In cases where a fast heartbeat continues, the Aurora EV-ICD™ can also send an electric shock to “reset” the heartbeat to a normal pace.
The Aurora EV-ICD™ system is manufactured by Medtronic and was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in October 2023.
Who should consider the Aurora EV-ICD?
The Aurora EV-ICD™ may be right for you if you are diagnosed with an arrhythmia, including fast heartbeat (tachycardia) or heart failure.
Aurora EV-ICD™ is also recommended for people who have had a heart attack or suffered from a previous sudden cardiac arrest.
Because the leads are placed outside the heart and veins, patients are at a reduced risk for complications associated with traditional ICDs, including infection or injuries to the veins or heart.
Aurora EV-ICD™ is not for everyone. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the Aurora EV-ICD™ system.
