A Groundbreaking Milestone in Heart Care: Erlanger Cardiology Team Leads the Way with Extravascular ICD Implantation

In a remarkable leap forward for cardiac care, Dr. Harish Manyam, Dr. Alvaro Manrique, and Dr. Larry Shears achieved a groundbreaking milestone on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, that positions Erlanger Cardiology at the forefront of innovation.

The team successfully implanted an Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (EV-ICD) under the sternum, marking the first such procedure in the country. This novel approach heralds a new era in cardiovascular medicine, offering patients a more comfortable and less invasive alternative for life-saving interventions.

The Breakthrough Procedure:

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) traditionally involve threading leads into the veins and heart to deliver crucial therapies. However, the Erlanger Cardiology team, under the leadership of Dr. Manyam, has pioneered a revolutionary technique. The Extravascular ICD, positioned beneath the sternum, provides defibrillation, anti-tachycardia pacing, and pause-prevention pacing therapies without invasive procedures. This enhances patient comfort and reduces the likelihood of long-term complications associated with traditional ICDs.

The Significance of Extravascular ICD:

The Extravascular ICD is a small, long-lasting device that maintains the same level of effectiveness as its traditional counterparts. This innovative approach minimizes the risk of infection and other complications associated with invasive procedures by eliminating the need for leads to be threaded into the heart. Patients can now benefit from life-saving cardiac interventions with a reduced recovery time and enhanced overall experience.

Looking Ahead:

As Erlanger and Erlanger Cardiology, affiliated with The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, continue to pioneer advancements in heart care, the successful implantation of the Extravascular ICD sets a precedent for the future of cardiovascular medicine. The team’s dedication to staying at the forefront of innovation ensures that patients in the region have access to the latest and most effective treatments available.

Congratulations to Dr. Harish Manyam and the entire Erlanger Cardiology team for their remarkable achievement. The Extravascular ICD implantation not only marks a historic moment in the field of cardiac care but also reaffirms Erlanger’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the service of its patients.