Sorin Group stresses key role of pacing technology in avoiding
unnecessary ventricular pacing
25 April 2006
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Mannheim, Germany. Sorin Group (MIL:SRN) has begun a European awareness
campaign on the risks associated with unnecessary pacing of the right
ventricle. The Sorin Group Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) Business Unit,
focused on its innovative pacing mode, AAIsafeR, and on the importance of
preventing over-pacing of the heart's right ventricle at the 72nd annual
meeting of the German Society of Cardiology in Mannheim from 20-22 April.
Several clinical studies have demonstrated that unnecessary right
ventricular pacing from cardiac implantable devices significantly increases
the risk of patients developing heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation
(AF). HF and AF are two cardiac diseases that can prove fatal to patients
while placing a heavy cost burden on healthcare systems.
In response to this growing evidence, Sorin Group has developed a unique
pacing mode, AAIsafeR, which is designed to avoid unnecessary ventricular
pacing by promoting the patient's natural electrical conduction (AV
conduction). By regularly monitoring AV conduction, AAIsafeR pacing can
automatically switch from physiological atrial-based (AAI) stimulation to
right ventricular pacing (DDD) when necessary, i.e. only when normal AV
conduction does not occur or occurs too slowly, causing blocks in the
heart's natural electrical pathway (AV blocks).
AV blocks are classified into three categories according to the level of
AV conduction impairment, first degree being the most benign and third
degree the most severe form.
AAIsafeR is the only mode currently available that manages all types of
heart blocks by delivering right ventricular pacing (DDD) only when needed.
AAIsafeR also responds to conduction disorders occurring at night and to
those occurring while exercising, thus allowing maximum comfort and safety
for patients.
Sorin Group says that the AAIsafeR pacing mode reduces unnecessary
ventricular pacing to 0.1%, an unprecedented performance which significantly
reduces risks of HF hospitalization, AF and mortality for patients while
treating all heart blocks. It is estimated that 60% of pacemaker patients
with dual-chamber indications could benefit from AAIsafeR.
"Because it favours intrinsic atrioventricular conduction in all
situations, AAIsafeR pacing mode has the potential to become a gold-standard
therapy for the vast majority of dual-chamber pacemaker and ICD patients,"
concluded Dr. Christof Kolb from the German Heart Center in Munich
(Germany), a speaker at the Mannheim Congress.
Sorin Group is currently conducting a series of workshops with
cardiologists and electrophysiologists throughout Germany as part of a
European awareness campaign to alert them on the importance of avoiding
unnecessary right ventricular pacing.
Michael Zwick, Sorin Group's CRM Business Director in Germany, confirmed
that "it is important for Sorin Group to fully inform physicians on the
positive effects of avoiding right ventricular over-pacing. AAIsafeR
exemplifies Sorin Group CRM commitment to provide physicians with solutions
that ensure maximum safety and comfort for patients. Positive feedback to
our workshops throughout Germany indicates that physicians are receptive to
the campaign and understand its importance".
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