Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT) launched a line of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Europe.
The company’s Protecta ICDs and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices feature six algorithms to reduce inappropriate shocks, which can affect 20 percent of patients who have implantable defibrillators, according to a press release. Medtronic calls the algorithms its SmartShock technology.
ICD systems consist of a battery-powered pulse generator connected to the heart via thin wires snaked through the patient’s veins. The system detects abnormal electrical activity in the heart and shocks it back into rhythm.
The Protecta line won European regulatory approval in March. It hasn’t been approved by Food & Drug Administration for U.S. sales.
Revenues for Medtronic’s cardiac disease rhythm management division grew 5 percent in fiscal 2010, to $5.3 billion. The unit received a boost earlier this year when rival Boston Scientific Corp. (NYSE:BSX) pulled its entire inventory of ICDs and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices off the market due to manufacturing problems.
