New cardiac device offers safer treatment with single thin lead

A new, smaller defibrillation device for treating life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation has been introduced in Finland, replacing two thick leads with a single thin one.

The first patient received the device at Kymenlaakso Central Hospital in Kotka this spring, with additional installations since performed in Helsinki, according to a report by Yle.

The device is placed in the heart’s own conduction system and uses one narrow lead instead of two thicker ones, reducing space taken in the blood vessels.

Juha Koskinen, chief physician of cardiology at Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, called the technology a significant step forward. The single-lead system lowers the risk of lead damage, infection, and tricuspid valve dysfunction, while potentially preventing later heart failure.

It also offers cost savings, with total system expenses about 30% lower due to simpler equipment and longer battery life.

Koskinen noted that pacemaker treatment has advanced in recent years, with innovations like leadless pacemakers emerging in the past decade. Patient eligibility for the newest technology is assessed case by case.