Abstract

Implantable cardiac defibrillators have revolutionized the way we prevent sudden cardiac death via arrhythmias. The addition of cardiac resynchronization pacing to defibrillators has broadened that treatment to include patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. As with all technology, new devices and platforms expand the capabilities and interface with patients across the world. This review discusses the evolution from the initial modalities and methods of communication of implantable devices up to the most recent advances in implantable defibrillators and their integration into patient lives and clinical practice. This review is focused on the integration of Bluetooth communication into modern healthcare with the Gallant™ family of devices, the first branded launch by Abbott Laboratories.

Plain language summary

The evolution in the ability of implantable cardioverter defibrillators to communicate has evolved quickly since their inception. In parallel, the volume of data and clinical utilities have also adapted how we manage our patients. Fast and reliable access to accurate clinical data allows for more deliberate and timely management of arrhythmia patients. The advent of Bluetooth technology and its recent integration into implantable medical devices may not only satisfy the clinicians needs, but also fill in some longstanding gaps for patients to participate in their own care. We discuss the Gallant™ ICD family of Implantable defibrillators and their advantages and design aspects of integrating Bluetooth technology.

Keywords:

Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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Vol. 18, No. 8

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History

Received 15 September 2021

Accepted 19 May 2022

Published online 24 June 2022

Published in print August 2022

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Keywords

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Raffaele Corbisiero has received honoraria for speaking from Boston scientific, Abbott. David Muller is an employee of Abbott. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

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The Gallant™ system heart rhythm management device: making a connection

Abstract

Plain language summary

References