Medtronic Launches Viva CRT-P in Europe

Minneapolis, Minn.-based medical device giant Medtronic Inc. has earned the CE mark from Europe for its newest cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemaker, Viva CRT-P. The Viva CRT-P is not approved for sale in the United States.

The Viva CRT-P includes the Medtronic-exclusive AdaptivCRT software, an algorithm demonstrated to improve heart failure patients’ response to the therapy and reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (as compared to conventional biventricular therapy).

The AdaptivCRT algorithm works by preserving normal heart rhythms and automatically adjusting to the patient`s needs every minute, creating a customized therapy for each patient. Independent studies have validated the benefits of the algorithm, including:

• AdaptivCRT increases CRT response rate by 12 percent;
• Patients with AdaptivCRT have a demonstrated 21 percent reduction in heart failure hospitalization and a reduced risk of death; and
• Patients with AdaptivCRT have a 46 percent reduced risk of atrial fibrillation.

Viva CRT-P also features advanced diagnostics tools, such as Optivol Fluid Status Monitoring and Cardiac Compass Report, which according to the company provide of insight into patients’ physiological condition. These tools are proven to identify patients at risk for hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge, a critical quality measure.

“The diagnostic capabilities of this smart device help improve function throughout the continuum of care,” said David Steinhaus, M.D., vice president and general manager of heart failure at and medical director for the cardiac rhythm disease management business at Medtronic. “This represents a win for both patients and physicians and, when coupled with additional longevity, provides another layer of distinct value over a longer period.”

Medtronic CRT (cardiac resynchronization therapy) devices have been safely and effectively used for more than a decade to treat patients with heart failure. Patients for whom this is an appropriate therapy include those with mild symptomatic, moderate or severe heart failure, as well as those with atrioventricular block who are expected to require a high degree of pacing and have a reduced ejection fraction, a measure of pumping function.