VAN NUYS,
Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Valley
Presbyterian Hospital (VPH) was the site for the first implantation in the U.S.
of a new heart device since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the
DF4 High-Voltage Connector System by Medtronic earlier this month, Gus
Valdespino, VPH President and CEO announced today.
Dr. James
Ong, a cardiologist, performed the procedure to implant the DF4 High-Voltage
Connector System in a 75-year-old man on Jan. 23. The procedure was a success,
and the patient has since been released from the hospital.
The DF4
High-Voltage Connector System by Medtronic is a new streamlined lead for
implantable defibrillators, which are designed to provide painless pacing or
life-saving shock therapy to stop fast or irregular heartbeats, also known as
ventricular arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death.
The DF4
Connector System helps simplify implantation procedures via a redesigned device
port and lead connector which takes less space in the patients chest and gives
physicians visual confirmation of the lead connection to the device.
“Valley Presbyterian
Hospital continues to
lead the way in providing the most up-to-date care for its cardiac patients,”
said Mr. Valdespino. “To respond to our communitys needs, we are committed to
building the San Fernando Valleys most advanced cardiology program with
cardiologists, nurses and technicians who lead the region in expertise.
Equipped with the latest technology and tools, our outstanding cardiology team
has the ability to diagnose, intervene and treat heart problems, make faster
and better-informed decisions and perform life-saving procedures.”
Sudden
cardiac death kills more people each year than lung cancer, breast cancer and
HIV/AIDS combined. Medtronic estimates that more than 70,000 lives have been
saved worldwide by implantable defibrillators during the last five years.
About
Valley Presbyterian Hospital
Founded in 1958, Valley
Presbyterian Hospital,
a non-profit and nonsectarian hospital, has remained focused on meeting the
medical needs of the community for over 50 years. While VPH has grown to become
one of the largest acute care hospitals in the San
Fernando Valley, it continues to provide patient-centered care for
a healthier community. The 350-bed facility offers leading-edge technology and
a full range of medical services. With 500 physicians representing virtually
every specialty and most sub-specialties, VPH provides the latest
state-of-the-art treatments to improve and save lives. For more information,
visit www.valleypres.org.
Posted by
Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief, MDT
