Pacemaker Life Extended
St. Jude’s new Zephyr pacemaker line, recently approved by both the FDA and European market oversight, almost doubles the standard lifecycle of the implantable devices.
Most pacemakers currently available in the marketplace have a life that spans seven to ten years. Devices then need to be replaced because of batteries that have ceased to function.
Earlier versions of the implantable devices had a longer lifespan. But the advent of new technology resulted in smaller devices with more complex systems. The downside is that the devices don’t last as long.
The advantage of longer lifespan has less to do with the device itself but instead implantation. While the risk associated with placement procedures is minimal, there is still some risk. Further decreasing lifetime risk by lessening the number of implantation procedures and foreign objects patients are exposed to will likely be an attractive alternative to cardiac specialists.
Related stories:
May 4, 2007 Related topics: Product Launches, New Technology & Innovation, Cardiology