Biotronik has today announced the successful first-in-human implantation of a device from its new Acticor/Rivacor Sky implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)/cardiac resynchronisation therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) portfolio that has been specifically engineered to support conduction system pacing via left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP).
According to the company, this emerging technique provides a more physiological activation of cardiac tissue for patients requiring ventricular pacing.
The first system was implanted at the Gold Coast University Hospital (Southport, Australia) by Robert Park—an implantation that took place as part of a first-in-human study involving approximately 50 patients across 10 centres. The study aims to preliminarily assess the safety and performance of these new devices, and to support future clinical trials, Biotronik states in a press release.
“It has been our privilege at Gold Coast University Hospital and the Queensland Health Electrophysiology Research Alliance to partner with Biotronik in the trial,” said Park. “We’re seeing clear benefits for our patients with the enhanced programmability and advanced technology of the new suite of devices. These are complemented by an excellent range of solutions that supports successful conduction system pacing.”
Biotronik’s next-generation Acticor/Rivacor Sky integrates advanced features to deliver precise, patient-specific therapy, and the company claims that its portfolio includes the “world’s first” CRT-D device for LBBAP. This enables more natural and synchronised contractions using the heart’s intrinsic conduction system, and it is believed that patients with conditions like atrioventricular (AV) block or left bundle branch block may particularly benefit from this innovative approach.
“We are proud to pioneer advancements in LBBAP,” commented Andreas Hecker, president of cardiac rhythm management and electrophysiology (CRM/EP) at Biotronik. “Our enhanced portfolio exemplifies Biotronik’s continued commitment to innovation and excellence in cardiac rhythm management. Setting new standards in cardiac care, we empower physicians to achieve better outcomes and elevate patients’ quality of life.”
The new Acticor/Rivacor Sky family will be released worldwide upon successful study completion and regulatory approval, according to Biotronik.
