New Unify Quadra device (provided)CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV)-- A doctor at MUSC is the first in South Carolina to implant a new heart failure device that better regulates heart rhythms in cardiac patients.
The Unify Quadra cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) and Quartet Left Ventricular Quadripolar Pacing Lead also reduces the need for additional surgeries to reposition leads in patients with heart failure.
Defibrillators are implanted in the chest and are usually connected to the heart with leads, synchronizing the heart's lower chambers which are often out of sync in heart failure patients. As the industry's first quadripolar pacing system, the Quadra and Quartet use a pacing lead with four electrodes, which enables more pacing configurations and reduces common problems associated with implantable CRT systems, and ultimately results in fewer surgeries for patients compared to previous technology.
A lead is a long insulated wire that serves as a conduit between an implanted device and the heart. The lead sends electrical signals from the device to the heart to provide therapy needed to address abnormal heart rhythms. The lead also carries information from the heart back to the implanted device, where the data can be used by the device to deliver therapy or make automatic adjustments.
Dr. Robert B. Leman implanted the Unify Quadra quadripoloar pacing system on December 8th to regulate and resynchronize the heartbeat of a patient who was diagnosed with SARCOID.
"We do believe that the quadripolar pacing system will allow us to have a more apical placement of the lead which makes it more stable," said Dr. Leman. "The multiple poles allow you to pace from the mid and basal segments which increase improvement in resynchronization. This quadripolar lead gives us a greater chance of improving resynchronization and decreasing common problems such as diaphragmatic stimulation."
