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Heart Center News

Cardiologists practicing at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center are the first in the state of Louisiana to implant an innovative, wireless-enabled cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D), which is used to treat heart failure patients with abnormally fast and potentially life-threatening heartbeats that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The device was implanted by cardiologist N. Joseph Deumite, MD, with Louisiana Cardiology Associates.

The wireless device helps track and manage heart failure symptoms. It also will deliver a shock to terminate a dangerously abnormal heart rhythm. The Concerto CRT-D device, approved by the FDA in May 2006, also sends tiny electrical impulses to the heart muscle to resynchronize the contractions of the heart’s lower chambers, helping the heart pump blood throughout the body more efficiently.

The Concerto CRT-D is one of the first implantable cardiac devices available with Medtronic’s proprietary Conexus™ Wireless Telemetry, developed using the Medical Implant Communications Service (MICS). Using the MICS band enables reliable communication between the implanted device and clinician programmers and patient home monitoring units.

Wireless communication allows patients to be examined wirelessly, no longer needing to undress and have electrodes put in place for an exam. Patients can also be followed remotely, which is a convenient option if they travel frequently or live far away.

“The benefit of these devices, as compared to previous devices is that they contain wireless telemetry to allow us to interact with the devices from home, or more efficiently in the healthcare setting. They contain several features that allow us better and safer care of the patient,” Joseph Deumite, MD, Cardiologist.

“Our Lady of the Lake is committed to using the most advanced technology to provide the finest, most comprehensive cardiovascular services for our patients,  said Chuck Daigle, Vice President of Management and Professional Services. “The OLOL Heart Center offers a breadth of services few facilities can match in a single location,” continued Daigle.