Cameron Health Logo Cameron Health Inc., a development stage medical device company, is stated to have announced the CE approval for their Subcutaneous Implantable Defibrillator (S-ICD) System. This particular system is believed to be of great help to patients at greater risk of experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Unlike other systems, this novel system boasts of having a completely subcutaneous implantation, which evidently does not require any placement of leads in or on the patient’s heart.

Previously used ICD’s evidently required the placement of lead in or on the heart of the user. These leads were believed to usually be constructed of thin insulated wires which then evidently made their way through the vein, and inside the heart. These leads were stated to have the ability to sense the user’s heart rhythm and therefore be able to send a life-saving electric shock to the heart in case of the detection of heart arrhythmia. However the placement of these transvenous leads into the patient’s heart was believed to be associated with certain complications related to this treatment.

In contrast to this, the S-ICD system is stated to not require the placement of leads in the heart. More so, this system may not even require imaging tools for its placement. Apparently, its positioning may be done through anatomical landmarks. It is stated that since this system is placed right under the skin, it may possibly eliminate the occurrence of various complications faced with the previous implant procedures.

President and CEO of Cameron Health, Inc., Jay Warren says that, “our goal was to develop a minimally invasive alternative to conventional ICD’s as well as tackle a number of the unmet needs of patients and physicians. We have made a number of significant advances, the foremost being that the Cameron Health S-ICD System obviates the need for transvenous lead placement.”

It was also noted that this particular system may have been designed in such a manner to make the procedure of its placement and removal easier, while shortening the duration of its surgical procedure.

About the S-ICD system, Dr. Ian Crozier, ChristChurch, New Zealand, says that, “This new approach to ICD therapy is better for a significant portion of my ICD patients. The procedure is surgically simple and may reduce or eliminate some of the complexity inherent with transvenous electrodes. For the implanting clinician, not having to wear a protective lead apron to avoid radiation exposure during the procedure was refreshing.”

This system evidently boasts of being the first completely subcutaneous implantable defibrillator to be used for the treatment of patients having the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Market launch of S-ICD is stated to begin soon in certain regions.