Medtronic touts synchrony study of accelerometer in Micra transcatheter pacing system
Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) revealed new clinical study results last week showing that an investigational algorithm, using the accelerometer signal in its Micra transcatheter pacing system, can help restore AV synchrony and cardiac function in patients with sinus rhythm and atrioventricular block.
The 64-patient study involved patients who already had a Micra TPS. Researchers wanted to know if Micra’s accelerometer could monitor and detect contractions in the atrium – even though the device is implanted in the ventricle. Using continuous device telemetry and an electrocardiogram, researchers also assessed Micra’s ability to pace the ventricle to contract in sequence with the atrium.
The trial found that 87% of AV beats were in synchrony during pacing with the AV algorithm. In patients with high-degree AV block, the algorithm brought about great AV synchrony compared to VVI pacing without the algorithm, Medtronic reported.
The medtech giant added that AV block patients saw statistically significant improvement in stroke volume during AV algorithm pacing compared to VVI pacing.
“The results of Marvel indicate that this novel mechanical sensor may allow more patients to benefit from a miniaturized leadless pacemaker,” principal investigator Dr. Larry Chinitz, cardiac electrophysiologist & director of NYU Langone’s Heart Rhythm Center, said in prepared remarks. “Although single-chamber pacing in the ventricle is quite safe for these patients, the preferred option is to treat them with a wired pacemaker in two chambers to maintain synchrony and cardiac function. However, patients with these traditional pacemakers are at risk of experiencing complications related to the pocket and the leads, and leadless pacemakers remove these risks.”