Implantable Cardiac Devices Technology

Development in a majority of medicine branches today is based on technological advancement. This is the case in cardiology, where medical devices designed to correct heart rhythm – pacemakers, cardioverters-defibrillators and biventricular systems – are implanted in order to help a sick heart. Medical pacing devices today are only developed and produced globally by a several producers who make different technical solutions, algorithms, system parameters etc. The book Implantable Cardiac Devices Technology is targeted at biomedical, clinical engineers, technicians in practice, students of biomedical disciplines, and all medical staff who are required to understand the basics of pacing technology. The book is comprised of fourteen chapters that are further subdivided according to specific topics. Chapters dealing with basic heart anatomy, physiology and arythmology are included for the sake of comprehensiveness. Chapters avoid the description of special functions, but cover general procedures and parameters common for the systems of all producers. The book is intended to serve as a monothematic textbook. In order to make the text comprehensible and well arranged for a reader, references to professional literature are only provided once in a respective chapter.

Today hundreds of thousands of Americans carry pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) within their bodies. These battery-powered machines—small computers, in fact—deliver electricity to the heart to correct dangerous disorders of the heartbeat. But few doctors, patients, or scholars know the history of these devices or how "heart-rhythm management" evolved into a multi-billion-dollar manufacturing and service industry. Machines in Our Hearts tells the story of these two implantable medical devices. Kirk Jeffrey, a historian of science and technology, traces the development of knowledge about the human heartbeat and follows surgeons, cardiologists, and engineers as they invent and test a variety of electronic devices. Numerous small manufacturing firms jumped into pacemaker production but eventually fell by the wayside, leaving only three American companies in the business today. Jeffrey profiles pioneering heart surgeons, inventors from the realms of engineering and medical research, and business leaders who built heart-rhythm management into an industry with thousands of employees and annual revenues in the hundreds of millions. As Jeffrey shows, the pacemaker (first implanted in 1958) and the ICD (1980) embody a paradox of high-tech health care: these technologies are effective and reliable but add billions to the nation's medical bill because of the huge growth in the number of patients who depend on implanted devices to manage their heartbeats.

Electrical therapy of the heart has rapidly evolved over recent years with the development of the cardiac implantable defibrillator and the application of the cardiac resynchronization therapy to improve performance of the congestive failed heart. There is an impressive amount of literature produced to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of the electrical therapy. New technology is continuously introduced into the market for the treatment of electrical heart disease with optimized performance and implemented design, with approximately 600,000 new pacemakers implanted each year. Attention of the electrophysiology community has mainly focused on the biomedical aspects of electrical therapy, but the psychological, emotional, social and cognitive aspects of the implantable devices has been largely overlooked. Health-related quality of life (QoL) and, to a lesser extent, psychological disorders, i.e. anxiety and depression, have rarely been assessed as outcomes in clinical trials, and results are pointing towards the impact of the implantable devices on QoL and mental health not being direct but moderated and mediated by several biomedical as well as psychosocial variables. Furthermore, the cognitive effects of the implantable devices have rarely been assessed in empirical studies, although cognitive impairment is largely associated with the heart disorders that require implantation of an electrical device and cognitive benefits are strongly expected from the therapy. The aim of this book is to collect, appraise and condense the results of all empirical studies that have investigated, even marginally, the relationships between the implantable devices and any psychological, emotional, social and cognitive dimension. This book is a cornerstone for all involved in device utilization (physicians, nurses, technicians, industry representatives) that need to understand this topic.​

A complete, how-to-do-it guide to planning, programming, implementing, and trouble-shooting todays pacemakers and other implantable cardiac devices Edited by a team of leading clinician-educators this is a practical, go-to reference for trainees and clinical staff who are new to or less experienced with the programming and management of implantable devices. It distills device best-practices into a single, quick-reference volume that focuses on essential tasks, common pitfalls, and likely complications. Each chapter follows a hands-on, how-to-do-it approach that helps readers quickly master even the most challenging device-related taskssuch as programming and how to respond confidently when complications arise. Todays pacemakers and other implantable EP devices are to earlier versions what smart phones are to rotary phones. They are not only smaller and more comfortable; they offer complex programming options that allow clinicians to adapt a device to individual patient requirements. As they continue to become smaller, smarter, and more adaptable, these devices also become more challenging for clinicians to set up, manage and monitor. This unique, quick-reference guide dramatically reduces the learning curve for mastering this essential technology by giving doctors and technicians the how-to information they need. Focuses on tasks clinicians perform, including pre-implementation, planning, programming, management, troubleshooting, and more Shows how expert clinicians achieve optimal outcomes in their own labs with real-world examples Features more than 300 images, including ECGs, X-ray and fluoroscopy, images from device interrogation, intracardiac electrograms, and color electoanatomical maps Provides eight videos on an accompanying website demonstrating key tasks and techniques Also available in an eBook version, enhanced with instructional videos, How-to Manual for Pacemaker and ICD Devices is an indispensable tool of the trade for electrophysiologists, fellows in electrophysiology, EP nurses, technical staff, and industry professionals.

Pacing and ICDs are used increasingly in the management of arrhythmias and a number of different cardiac conditions. Specialists, general cardiologists and general physicians are now closely involved in managing patients with these devices. Implantable Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators: All you wanted to know is written by leading specialists from the UK and USA and is designed for all physicians looking for a clear and comprehensive introduction to the principles and functions of these devices. The focus of this book has been on the indications for these devices and continuing patient management for the generalist and those in training – including complications and troubleshooting that arise peri- and post-implantation. Not only does Implantable Cardiac Pacemakers and Defibrillators provide a sound introduction to the subject, in the later chapters it goes beyond the basics, introducing more advanced techniques such as lead extraction. It can be used both for those in training and for those with direct patient care responsibilities. With its up to date, evidence-based approach and inclusion of the latest AHA guidelines on pacing, this is an ideal guide to a major aspect of modern cardiac management.

Unique in the field, Surgical Implantation of Cardiac Rhythm Devices provides complete, easy-to-follow guidance for safe, effective surgical implantation of pacemakers, ICDs, and other devices. Beginning with surgical anatomy and surgical principles, expert authors provide thorough coverage of surgical technique and procedures – everything from sutures to special circumstances and complications. Detailed, high-quality illustrations show you exactly how to proceed, and each procedure includes an accompanying video clip online. Outlines relevant anatomic structures and landmarks, as well as various types of sutures and instruments. Provides authoritative, detailed guidance on transvenous lead placement, including novel or alternative placements, as well as implantation of subcutaneous ICDs. Covers tools and techniques, anesthesia, radiation safety, pitfalls and complications, tips and pearls, patient preparation, postoperative patient management, and follow-up care. Offers expert coverage of pediatric considerations and other special circumstances. Allows you to view surgical procedures and relevant anatomy in video clips online, as well as through extensive, high-quality illustrations in the text. Ideal for EP fellows, practicing electrophysiologists, and cardiologists who perform surgical procedures to implant pacemakers, ICDs, and other devices.

Different artificial tools, such as heart-pacing devices, wearable and implantable monitors, engineered heart valves and stents, and many other cardiac devices, are in use in medical practice. Recent developments in the methods of cardiac pacing along with appropriate selection of equipment are the purpose of this book. Implantable heart rate management devices and wearable cardiac monitors are discussed. Indications for using specific types of cardiac pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are of interest and their contraindications are considered. Special attention is paid to using leadless devices. The subcutaneous ICD obviates the need for transvenous leads and leadless pacemakers are entirely implantable into the right ventricle. Finally, applications of user-friendly wearable devices for the detection of atrial arrhythmia are debated.

A significant medical event is expected in 1992: the first human use of a fully implantable, long-term cardiac assist device. This timely volume reviews the artificial heart program-and in particular, the National Institutes of Health's major investment-raising important questions. The volume includes: Consideration of the artificial heart versus heart transplantation and other approaches to treating end-stage heart disease, keeping in mind the different outcomes and costs of these treatments. A look at human issues, including the number of people who may require the artificial heart, patient quality of life, and other ethical and societal questions. Examination of how this technology's use can be targeted most appropriately. Attention to achieving access to this technology for all those who can benefit from it. The committee also offers three mechanisms to aid in allocating research and development funds.