London Ont. hospital achieves national first in new cardiovascular procedure approved by Health Canada

Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Jaimie Manlucu (Source: LHSC)

Clinical trials at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) have achieved a national first – becoming the only hospital in Canada to implant a new extravascular implantable ICD during clinical trials.

The gamechanger with the new device, compared to a traditional one such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, is that it’s implanted outside of the vascular system and heart. The smaller battery and placement in the body is more comfortable for the recipient, less invasive, and needs to be replaced less often.

“LHSC and some of my senior partners have had a significant role in helping develop the technology that we see in the defibrillators that we use day-to-day," said Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr. Jaimie Manlucu. “I’ve been able to see this from the preliminary stages all the way through to the trials. It’s exciting to be part of the next generation helping to continue forward that partnership and effort in developing this technology.”

Manlucu was a key member of the International Steering Committee and helped bring the trial to LHSC where she practices.

The device has now received Health Canada approval, following the study which proved the device’s effectiveness and safety.

Every year across Canada approximately 25,000 pacemakers and 7,000 implantable cardioverter defibrillators are implanted.

Treating irregular heartbeats and a variety of cardiovascular conditions, the continued improvement to these medical technologies is key to longevity and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people around the world.