Biotronik launches eight new pacemaker models
10 Dec 2010
Biotronik has expanded its range of pacemakers with eight new
models in its Estella and Effecta pacemaker series. These are built on Biotronik’s state-of-the-art unified platform
technology, which enables the integration of key performance
features across all lines.
Estella dual- and single-chamber devices incorporate the
company’s pioneering home monitoring system. With the
advanced Vp Suppression algorithm, the Estella pacemaker series
significantly minimizes ventricular pacing. Vp Suppression switches
to ADI mode when intrinsic rhythm is present and operates in DDD
mode when intrinsic rhythm is absent. The switching criteria are
physician-defined to allow individualized patient therapy.

The Biotronik Estella pacemaker. Photo:
Business Wire.
All models also have ProMRI technology and therefore can be
safely used during MRI procedures under specific scanning conditions
and when connected with Biotronik ProMRI leads.
“Hundreds of thousands of patients with cardiac pacing devices
are indicated for MRI scans at some point after their implantations;
however, previous devices were not compatible with this type of
diagnostic procedure,” commented Marlou Janssen, Global Vice
President of Marketing and Sales.
The Biotronik Effecta pacemaker series features optimized energy
efficiency — a 50% reduction of the electrical current consumption
within its circuitry and an extension of the pacemaker longevity to
more than 10 years.
Effecta also includes the new IRSplus, which promotes the
patient’s own intrinsic rhythm and also minimizes unnecessary
ventricular pacing. Finally, the Effecta series offers enhanced
safety with its automaticity, such as Atrial and Ventricular Capture
Control and Auto Lead Check. The former ensures automatic adaptation
of the output setting to changes in the atrial and ventricular
pacing thresholds.
Beat-by-beat ventricular backup pulses ensure no single beat is
skipped. With the latter, lead integrity is automatically and
continuously checked by measuring the lead impedance. These
measurements do not require additional pacing and are done
independently from pacing or sensing phases.