Boston Scientific’s most advanced devices to treat heart failure and sudden cardiac death now available in Japan

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Boston Scientific announced on 9 November 2009 the launch of its Cognis cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) and Teligen implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in Japan. These devices were approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in August and received reimbursement approval in September. Cognis and Teligen are the result of a multi-year research and development effort to provide physicians enhanced clinical options for their patients.

Boston Scientific’s product portfolio in Japan includes the company’s newest and most advanced pacemaker – the ALTRUA 60.


“The significantly reduced size of these devices has been well received by physicians in the USA and Europe, resulting in more than 75,000 implants in less than two years,” said Ken Stein, associate chief medical officer, Boston Scientific Cardiac Rhythm Management. “In the past, physicians often had to make trade-offs among device size, battery longevity and features when prescribing a high-energy device. These devices eliminate those trade-offs without compromising therapy options.”


The Cognis CRT-D and Teligen ICD are the world’s smallest and thinnest high-energy devices at 32.5cc and 31.5cc respectively, while less than 10mm thick. Both devices offer features based on substantial engineering advances, including extended battery longevity, self-correcting software and improved programming technology.


Both devices offer a redundant hardware system called SafetyCore, which provides life-saving shock therapy and basic pacing functionality in the unlikely event of a system error. The devices employ digital signal processing and are equipped with increased levels of digital memory, enabling more patient data to be captured and used by physicians.


Key features of the Cognis CRT-D include:

  • SmartDelay – Quickly proposes programmable device settings, which enables physicians to tailor individualised pacing therapy for their patients;
  • Bi-V trigger – Helps physicians manage heart failure patients with frequent atrial arrhythmias;
  • Electronic repositioning – Provides physicians with six configurations for stimulating the left side of the heart even after implant, which may help avoid an additional surgical procedure.


Key features of the Teligen ICD include:

  • Smallest and thinnest high-energy ICD device available in the world – the small size and physiological shape are designed with patient comfort in mind;
  • Quick Convert – Provides the ability for patients to receive pacing therapy for ventricular tachycardias;
  • Reverse Mode Switch – Provides physicians more options for minimising right ventricular pacing.