EBR Systems, a start-up out of Sunnyvale California, and Cambridge Consultants, the technology design and development firm, have developed a leadless pacemaker system for patients with advanced heart failure. The Wireless Cardiac Stimulation System (WiCS) comprises two units, an implantable electrode and an external control unit. The electrode incorporates an ultrasonic, wireless receiver and delivers an electrical stimulus to the heart based on triggering signals from the external control unit.
In its current iteration the WiCS system is designed to work with conventional pacemakers/defibrillators pacing the right ventricle of patients requiring biventricular pacing. The WiCS external control unit senses the pacing stimulus delivered to the right ventricle and initiates a burst of stimulus from the electrode implanted in the left ventricle. According to the company, the wireless left ventricular pacing approach removes the need for complex surgery and the complications often associated with the coronary sinus leads used to pace the left ventricle.
EBR is currently evaluating the system in a 100 patient feasibility, safety, and CE-Mark trial in Europe. The objective of the study is to demonstrate biventricular capture in heart failure patients who have suffered from chronic lead failure, or for whom conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy has not succeeded. Ultimately, the company hopes to remove the need for any pacing leads and implement an entirely wireless pacing system in the future.
Press release: Leadless pacemaker brings new hope to cardiac patients
Product page: WiCS® Wireless Cardiac Stimulation…