It's the "fine-tuning" and programmable capabilities that make Medtronic's InSync system, approved Tuesday by the FDA, so unique in the treatment of congestive heart failure patients, according to Robert Bourge, M.D., head UAB cardiologist who helped test the device.
The tiny pacemaker-like device sends electrical impulses to both sides of the heart, helping weak hearts pump blood more efficiently and in synchrony. UAB also is studying newer devices that allow even more control over a beating heart and include more programmable features, so that impulses can be timed with an individual's heart beat.
Bourge said UAB patients have done well on the device because "we have spent a lot of time maximizing its effectiveness through extensive follow-ups and fine-tuning adjustments."
Contact Tracy Bischoff, Media Relations, 205-934-8935 or [email protected].
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