Augusta, Ga. (October 25, 2024) – Sameh Lamiy, M.D., and Paraag Chowdhary, M.D., Piedmont Heart Institute physicians who are based at Piedmont Augusta Hospital are among the first in Georgia to successfully implant a novel extravascular defibrillator to treat patients with dangerously fast heart rhythms, a condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The Medtronic Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (EV-ICD) system, which is composed of the Aurora EV-ICD™ MRI SureScan™, the Epsila EV™ MRI SureScan™ defibrillation lead, and proprietary implant tools, recently received FDA approval.
Dr. Lamiy is board certified in Internal Medicine. He specializes in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders ranging from atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, heart block, bradycardia, atrial flutter, premature ventricular contractions, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and ventricular tachycardia, with a special interest in the treatment and management of atrial fibrillation, leadless pacing, and cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Dr. Chowdhary is a board-certified Cardiothoracic surgeon. He specializes in the treatment of coronary artery disease, complex aortic disease, structural heart disease, valvular disease and atrial fibrillation through the use of open, endovascular, minimally invasive and transcatheter treatment therapies, including the Convergent Procedure for Atrial fibrillation.
The Aurora EV-ICD system is a first-of-its-kind defibrillator with the lead placed under the breastbone, outside of the heart and veins. 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 Aurora EV-ICD system allows us to offer patients the benefits of traditional ICDs, while reducing certain risks that come with placing leads in the heart or veins,” said Dr. Lamiy, “We strive to deliver high-quality patient care, and this technology is another step forward in providing our patients with the latest clinical advancements to manage their cardiac condition.”
The Aurora EV-ICD is implanted below the left armpit, and the Epsila EV defibrillation lead is placed under the breastbone using a minimally invasive approach. Placing the leads outside the heart and veins is designed to help avoid long-term complications that may be associated with transvenous leads, such as vessel occlusion (narrowing, blockage or compression of a vein) and risks for blood infections.
Learn more about cardiovascular services at Piedmont.