New Defibrillator Prevents Sudden Cardiac Arrest without Touching Heart

Meriter–UnityPoint Health Implants Wisconsin’s First S-ICD

FMI: Leah Huibregtse

Sr. Communications Strategist

MADISON, Wis. – Meriter–UnityPoint Health became the first hospital in Wisconsin to implant a subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD), a groundbreaking new device that protects against sudden cardiac arrest without touching the heart.

“The Boston Globe named the S-ICD one of the biggest medical breakthroughs for patients, and we’re thrilled to bring this cutting-edge technology here to Dane County,” said Dr. Geoff Priest, Chief Medical Officer at Meriter–UnityPoint Health. “It’s the only defibrillator in the world that doesn’t need to be implanted in the heart, giving our patients a less invasive solution to a serious condition.”

The battery-operated device, which is implanted just outside the patient’s ribcage, provides protection from sudden cardiac arrest by shocking the heart back into a normal rhythm through a thin wire that rests on the patient’s sternum. Traditional ICDs are implanted in the upper chest with wires that run into the chambers of the heart. While effective, these wires have inherent risks that can result in additional procedures in the future.

The S-ICD procedure is less invasive and the device requires less maintenance over time, decreasing the risk of severe infections and other complications of more invasive ICD implantation.

The S-ICD is ideal for younger patients with a rapid or life-threatening heart rhythm that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. It cannot be a substitute for a pacemaker.

About Meriter–UnityPoint Health

Meriter–UnityPoint Health provides comprehensive, coordinated care to patients throughout the Greater Madison area through our clinics, hospital and home care services. Employing more than 3,500 people, Meriter offers primary and specialty care, including heart and vascular, orthopedics, women’s health, and the busiest birthing center in Wisconsin. Meriter is a 2013 recipient of the National Research Corporations’ coveted Innovative Best Practice award, Top Rated Adult Doctors award and Top Rated Pediatric Doctors award. For more information, visit meriter.com.