Medtronic Inc has launched its new cardiac resynchronisation therapy-pacemaker, Viva CRT-P in India which received the CE (Conformité Européenne) mark in May this year.

The Viva CRT-P includes the Medtronic-exclusive AdaptivCRT software, which is the only 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 and patients with it have a demonstrated 21 per cent reduction in heart failure hospitalisation and a reduced risk of death.

Studies have also indicated that it increases CRT response rate by 12 per cent; and that patients with it have a 46 per cent reduced risk of atrial fibrilation (AF).

The AdaptivCRT algorithm is unique in its ability to constantly adjust and preserve patients’ natural heart rhythms," said Shamik Dasgupta, vice president cardiac and vascular group, India Medtronic.

“This personalizedtherapy is likely to reduce the need for the patient to be frequently hospitalized and the menace of stroke which needs emergency medical attention. Both these are significant issues in India and will prove to be of great value to patients,” he added.

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

“The unique diagnostic capabilities of this smart device help improve function throughout the continuum of care,” said Milind Shah,  managing director & vice president South Asia,  India Medtronic.  

Medtronic CRT 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 and  patients with ventricular conduction disturbances.

Heart failure in India has been conservatively estimated to affect up to 4.6 million people, with up to 1.8 million new diagnoses made each year. Repeated heart failure hospitalisations are associated with increased mortality.