Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital is First Hospital in California to Implant First-of-its Kind Extravascular Defibrillator to Treat Patients with Abnormal Heart Rhythms

Redwood City, Calif. (December 4, 2023) – Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital is the first in the state of California and Western United States to implant a novel extravascular defibrillator to treat patients with dangerously fast heart rhythms, a condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. The Aurora EV-ICD 

(Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator) system, which recently received FDA approval, is a first-of-its-kind defibrillator with the lead placed under the breastbone, outside of the heart and veins using a minimally invasive approach. It delivers lifesaving defibrillation and anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy all in one system via a single implanted device that is similar in size, shape, and projected longevity to traditional, transvenous ICDs. 

The first Aurora EV-ICD system implants were performed by Dr. Gregory Engel and Dr. Chad Brodt, Electrophysiologists at Sequoia Hospital. The first two patients had underlying conditions that made them prone to dangerous arrhythmias and the EV-ICD now provides critical protection for these patients.

Dr. Engel had been involved in the development of the EV-ICD for 10 years. He has given input on the design and participated in early feasibility studies. Both Dr. Engel and Dr. Brodt were part of the recent pivotal clinical trial that led to the approval of the device.

Dr. Engel explains, “For many patients who need a defibrillator (ICD), avoiding putting the device inside the bloodstream helps to minimize long term complications. However, currently available technology is quite limited. The EV-ICD offers a significant leap forward, allowing patients to have a device that can provide ATP and back-up pacing when needed and is much smaller and more comfortable than previous devices. We are thrilled to be participating in bringing this new technology to patients.”

“We are proud to be the first hospital in California to implant a life-saving device that will improve the quality of life among our patients,” said Bill Graham, President, Sequoia Hospital. “This innovative technology is another step forward in providing our patients comprehensive options and the latest clinical advancement to manage their cardiac condition.” 

The Medtronic EV ICD system recently was evaluated in a worldwide pivotal study, involving 356 patients at 46 hospitals in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In the study, the EV-ICD System achieved a defibrillation success rate of 98.7% and met its safety endpoints of freedom from major system and/or procedural complications at six months after implant. Results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine.1

About Sequoia Hospital 

Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital is an accredited, not-for-profit community hospital providing innovative and exceptional health care for generations of Bay Area residents. Sequoia’s Heart and Vascular Institute is a nationally known pioneer in advanced cardiac care. Sequoia has received national recognition from Healthgrades for superior patient safety and was named as one of America’s top 100 hospitals for cardiac care. Our Total Joint Replacement program is a designated Blue Distinction Center for Knee and Hip Replacement. Our Birth Center is consistently ranked as a favorite among Peninsula families. We are also known for our comprehensive emergency care and leading-edge tomosynthesis 3-D mammogram technology. Our state-of-the-art inpatient pavilion combines the most advanced medical and surgical services with a unique healing environment, including private, spacious rooms and inviting garden areas. To support programs at Dignity Health Sequoia Hospital, visit the Sequoia Hospital Foundation. To learn more about Sequoia Hospital, please visit dignityhealth.org/sequoia. 

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1Friedman P, Murgatroyd F, Boersma LVA, et al. Efficacy and Safety of an Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator. N Engl J Med 2022; 387:1292-1302.