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Visia AF Hospital Template Press Release
[HOSPITAL NAME] USING NEW DEVICE TO TREAT DANGEROUS HEART RHYTHMS AND
IDENTIFY PATIENTS AT INCREASED RISK FOR STROKE AND HEART FAILURE DUE TO ATRIAL
FIBRILLATION
[CITY, DATE] – [Hospital Name] is now offering new single-chamber implantable cardioverter
defibrillators (ICDs) that can treat life-threatening arrhythmias in the lower chambers of the
heart, while also detecting previously undiagnosed and/or asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF),
a condition that involves an irregular quivering or rapid heart rhythm in the upper chambers
(atria) of the heart.
Many patients rely on ICDs, small implantable heart devices placed under the skin, typically
just below the collarbone on the left side of the chest, to detect irregular heartbeats and
deliver life-saving therapy to restore a normal heartbeat. However, approximately 20 percent
of patients with single chamber ICDs may develop AF in the first two years after their device
implant.1 Until now, the ability to detect and monitor for new onset, asymptomatic and
previously undiagnosed AF has not been possible with traditional single-chamber ICDs.
[SUGGESTED QUOTE] “Providing patients with the latest advancements to help improve and save
patients’ lives is our first priority, and these new ICD offerings are an extension of this deep-rooted
commitment,” said [hospital physician/spokesperson]. “We’re grateful to have this new technology
that can treat dangerous heart rhythms, while helping detect AF earlier, allowing us to better manage
patients’ risk for stroke and heart failure.”
An estimated 3 million Americans have AF2, however many patients do not experience
symptoms, leaving the condition frequently undetected, even with traditional external
monitors. When left untreated, patients with AF are five times more likely to have a stroke3
and three times more likely to develop heart failure.4
The Visia AF MRI SureScan and Visia AF ICDs from Medtronic have been approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration to treat life threatening rhythms in the lower chambers of the
heart, while also detecting AF. Both ICDs feature a proprietary algorithm that detects AF
episodes and captures AF frequency and duration. Its exclusive SmartShock™ feature better
differentiates between dangerous and harmless heart rhythms, and remote monitoring
capabilities to connect patients to the clinic at home or away. The Visia AF MRI SureScan ICD is
also approved for MRI scans on any part of the body without positioning restrictions.
For more information about the Visia AF MRI SureScan and Visia AF ICDs, visit [hospital website] or call
[hospital number].
About [INSTITUTION NAME]
Visia AF Hospital Template Press Release
[INSERT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TREATING INSTITUTION]
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Medtronic data on file.
Naccarelli GV, Varker H, Lin J, Schulman KL. Increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation and flutter in the United States. Am J Cardiol. December
2009; 104(11):1534-1539.
3 Wolff PA, Abbott RD, Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation as an independent risk factor for stroke the Framingham Study. Stroke. 1991;22 (8): 983-988.
4 Stewart S, Hart CL, Hole DJ, et al. A population-based study of the long-term risks associated with atrial fibrillation: 20-year follow-up of the
Renfrew/Paisey Study. Am J Med. October 1, 2002; 113 (5):359-364.
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