After conducting an extensive study cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators, or CRT-Ds, slows heart failure
By Gabe Perna
Natick, MA based Boston Scientific's study saying its cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators, or CRT-Ds, reduced heart failure by a significant amount turned heads in the medical device industry Tuesday. The four year study which used 1,820 patients with class I or II heart failure as examples said the CRT-Ds were associated with a 29 percent reduction in death or heart failure interventions in comparison to the traditional implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
The revolutionary MADIT-CRT trial, which ended its preliminary stages, shows that usage of Boston Scientific's $30,000 device can slow the progression of heart failure. CRT-D is an exquisite pacemaker type device which is implanted near the shoulder, underneath one's skin. It connects with wires which screw into the heart. Electric signals are used to regulate the heartbeat.
"We are very encouraged by these initial positive results, and we are hopeful they will eventually lead to a wider population of heart failure patients being treated with CRT-D therapy," stated Fred Colen, President, Boston Scientific CRM.
Upon news of the study's results, Boston Scientific's shares rose 27 cents, or 2.9 percent. The study also had a positive effect on Boston Scientific's competitors: Medtronic and St. Jude's Medical. With nearly 22 million suffering from heart failure worldwide, this device if continually proven to be succesful, will likely start a changing landscape in the healthcare industry.
Source: Boston Scientific, AP