Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center First in U.S. to Implant FDA-Approved Novel Defibrillation Lead

The new technology is the world’s smallest, catheter-delivered defibrillation lead

St. David’s Medical Center Press Release 

AUSTIN, Texas—Electrophysiologists at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’s Medical Center recently became the first in the nation to implant an FDA-approved novel defibrillation lead—a specialized, insulated wire that connects to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT-Ds) device to the heart and corrects abnormal rhythm. The defibrillation lead is the world’s smallest, catheter-delivered defibrillation lead, which allows for precise delivery and placement in the right ventricle.

The first procedure was performed by Robert Canby, M.D., and Amin Al-Ahmad, M.D., clinical cardiac electrophysiologists at TCAI, on Jan. 7. Dr. Canby also participated in the trial that led to FDA approval.

“When treating patients, safety and efficacy are paramount, and this novel technology allows us to achieve both with greater precision,” said Andrea Natale, M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., cardiac electrophysiologist and executive medical director of TCAI. “This milestone is a testament to the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute’s continued pursuit of innovation that will improve outcomes and access to life-saving care.”

A lead senses the heartbeat and transmits signals to the implanted device, which then delivers therapy to correct or interrupt abnormally fast rhythms—called arrhythmias—that can result in sudden cardiac arrest. Existing defibrillation leads are larger in diameter, increasing the potential for future complications.

According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, an estimated 12.1 million people in the U.S. are expected to have atrial fibrillation—the most common arrhythmia—by 2030.

TCAI is a state-of-the-art Electrophysiology Center that includes six labs equipped with advanced technology where a group of esteemed cardiac electrophysiologists—led by Dr. Natale, a world-renowned expert in the field—perform a high volume of the most complex electrophysiology procedures.

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’s Medical Center is one of the world’s preeminent centers dedicated to the latest treatment advances for correcting abnormal heart rhythms such as Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib) and Ventricular Tachycardias (VT). The center is led by Executive Medical Director Andrea Natale, M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., a world-renowned expert in the field. Dr. Natale is at the forefront of advancing treatment options for A Fib and VT, leading numerous clinical trials and participating in the development of new technologies and procedures. 

St. David’s Medical Center

St. David’s Medical Center, part of St. David’s HealthCare, is a full-service medical center offering comprehensive medical care at three locations—St. David’s Medical Center, Heart Hospital of Austin and St. David’s Georgetown Hospital.Located in Central Austin, St. David’s Medical Center includes a 371-bed acute care hospital and a 64-bed rehabilitation hospital providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. The hospital provides a full spectrum of women’s services, including its acclaimed Level IV maternity unit, maternal-fetal medicine, a high-risk maternal and neonatal transport team, the region’s largest Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It also offers outpatient breast imaging services operated through on-site provider Solis Mammography and features a 24-hour emergency department and comprehensive stroke center. Additionally, the hospital specializes in treating high acuity surgical patients, including complex spine, total joint, advanced surgical oncology, bariatric and general surgery, and it is home to the prestigious Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute. St. David’s Medical Center is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Magnet^® hospital, the highest and most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing practice and quality patient care.