Novation, the supply company of VHA Inc, and University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) has initiated a purchasing agreement with St. Jude Medical Inc for cardiac rhythm management devices containing its proprietary atrial fibrillation suppression (AF Suppression) technology.

The agreement covers the full complement of current and future AF Suppression technology from St. Jude Medical, presently available in the Identity and Integrity family of pacemakers, the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and clinically proven devices shown to suppress the onset of atrial fibrillation.

"We are extremely excited about this agreement," said Mark McKenna, President of Novation. "Providing VHA and UHC members with access to new and revolutionary technology is at the core of Novation's operating principles. This agreement is just another example of Novation's commitment to the members and the patients we serve."

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the world's most common cardiac arrhythmia, affecting over 5 million people worldwide. It is characterized by rapid, uncoordinated and uncontrolled contractions of the atria, the upper chambers of the heart, and keeps the heart from pumping blood efficiently. Until recently, approaches to AF treatment centered primarily on pharmacological therapy. However, device therapies such as AF Suppression have proven effective.

"This agreement with Novation is a tremendous example of a group purchasing organization (GPO) acting in the best interests of its constituency, namely the patients it serves," said Michael T. Rousseau, President of St. Jude Medical's U.S. Sales organization. "The fact that Novation, the nation's largest GPO, has recognized the clinical value of this revolutionary technology speaks volumes about its commitment to its members."