Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
Aurora EV-ICD™ system
The first-of-its-kind extravascular ICD capable of treating sudden cardiac arrest and abnormal heartbeats with defibrillation and special pacing therapy.
Product details
What is the Aurora EV-ICD system?
Most ICDs are implanted in the upper left chest, with the leads running through the veins into the heart.
But the Aurora EV-ICD system is positioned differently. It is called an ”extravascular” system because the lead is placed below the breastbone, and the defibrillator is implanted below the left armpit.
This design helps the Aurora EV-ICD system avoid certain risks of traditional transvenous ICDs.
How does the Aurora EV-ICD system work?
The Aurora EV-ICD system monitors a patient’s heartbeat 24 hours a day. If the heart is beating too fast or is not beating regularly, the device can first send small electrical signals to correct the heart rate. This special type of “pacing the heart” is called antitachycardia pacing (ATP). If the fast heartbeat continues, the device then sends an electric shock to reset the normal heartbeat.
Features and benefits1
Protecting your heart while you live your life.
- Comfortable and less visible — With its small size, rounded edges, and placement under the arm, the Aurora EV-ICD system may be less visible and more comfortable than other extravascular ICDs that are currently available.
- Projected longevity — Aurora EV-ICD system is projected to last more than 10 years. This means that people with the Aurora EV-ICD system can likely live with the device for more than a decade without needing to get it replaced due to its battery. Projected battery longevity estimates are based on accelerated testing and device modeling. Results for individual patients vary based on program settings.
- Proven and safe technology — The performance, safety, and effectiveness of the Medtronic EV-ICD system has been studied in five clinical studies with more than 400 patients.2
- Special pacing therapy — The Aurora EV-ICD system is the only extravascular ICD to offer ATP. That means if your heart is beating too fast or abnormally, the Aurora EV-ICD system can send small electrical signals to correct your heartbeat before delivering a shock.
Risks for Aurora EV-ICD: Lead dislodgement, surgical complications, infection, failure to deliver therapy when it is needed, and/or receiving extra therapy when it is not needed.
Living with the Aurora EV-ICD system
After recovering from the implant procedure, most people are able to resume their normal, daily activities. Work with your doctor to develop a plan, discuss when you can return to your normal activities, and which activities you should avoid.
Watch a patient story.
Meet Harrison, who is living with the Medtronic EV-ICD after he experienced a life-threatening event.
Not every person will receive the same results. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
Get Heart Device Answers.
Visit HeartDeviceAnswers.com, an interactive website full of questions and answers about living with a heart device.
Remote monitoring
Remote monitoring is a way for your implanted heart device to communicate with your doctor or clinic, potentially lowering the number of times you have to travel to your clinic for a device check.
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Medtronic ICDs
Explore the various types of ICDs that Medtronic offers.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
References
1
Medtronic Aurora EV-ICD™ MRI SureScan™ DVEA3E4 Device Manual.
2
Thompson AE, Atwater B, Boersma L, et al. The development of the extravascular defibrillator with substernal lead placement: A new Frontier for device-based treatment of sudden cardiac arrest. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2022;33(6):1085–1096.