Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) electrophysiologist, Robert Drennan, MD, implanted the Gallant™ Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD), the first-of-its-kind with Bluetooth technology. The procedure took place on Feb. 3 at Baton Rouge General.
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD, is a small, battery-powered device that monitors heart rhythm for very fast and potentially dangerous heart rhythms and sends an electrical shock to the heart muscle to restore normal heart rhythm. The Gallant™ ICD is unique, as its Bluetooth capability pairs with Abbott’s myMerlinPulse mobile smartphone app to streamline communication between doctors and patients. This remote monitoring enables physicians to identify asymptomatic episodes of cardiac arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms, leading to earlier intervention.
Once the ICD is implanted and paired to the myMerlinPulse app, it discreetly collects and shares important information about the patient’s heart with the provider. This is called remote monitoring, and it is secure.
“This Bluetooth ICD offers enhanced detection and treatment for arrhythmias and safer management of care,” explained Drennan. “This means a better quality of life for patients, peace of mind with automated daily checks, and discretion and freedom to go anywhere, anytime.”
Pictured at the procedure are Chad Clement, RT, Jeremy Martone, RN, Sunita Millhof RT, Robbie Drennan, MD, Ben Schuler RN, and Jim Overholt (Abbott Rep).