96.5 F
San Fernando
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
Array

Valley Presbyterian First to Implant New Heart Device

Valley Presbyterian Hospital became the first hospital to implant a new heart device that provides what its manufacturer calls painless pacing or life-saving shock therapy to stop fast or irregular heartbeats that can lead to sudden cardiac death. The device, the DF4 High-Voltage Connector System, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is made by Medtronic. Dr. James Ong, a cardiologist, performed the procedure to implant the device in a 75-year-old man on Jan. 23. The procedure was a success, and the patient has since been released, the hospital said. Sudden cardiac death kills more people each year than lung cancer, breast cancer and HIV/AIDS combined, according to the hospital. Implantable defibrillators such as the DF4 have saved an estimated 70,000 lives since they were introduced five years ago, the hospital added. Hospital CEO Gus Valdespino said Valley Presbyterian is committed to building an advanced cardiology program in the San Fernando Valley. Judy Temes

Featured Articles

Related Articles