Sentara cardiologists are first in Hampton Roads to implant state-of-the-art defibrillator

Sentara physicians successfully completed a first-of-its-kind, life-saving cardiovascular procedure at Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, last month.

Venkat Iyer, M.D., a cardiac electrophysiologist, and Eric Unger, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon, performed the inaugural Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (EV-ICD) surgery in Hampton Roads on Thursday, October 30.

The Medtronic Aurora device is unique and “unlike traditional transvenous systems, it provides life-saving defibrillation and pacing therapy without placing leads inside the heart or vasculature,” said Dr. Iyer. "This innovative design reduces long-term risks associated with lead complications while maintaining the full therapeutic capabilities of a conventional ICD.”

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators have been in use for more than two decades. They are devices that can detect rapid heart rhythms and deliver appropriate lifesaving shocks. They are generally placed in patients with a cardiomyopathy or weakened heart muscle. Left untreated, cardiomyopathy can lead to symptoms of heart failure because the disease makes it difficult for heart muscles to pump blood effectively.

The surgery itself lasts approximately 90 minutes and according to Dr. Iyer, prime candidates for the new EV-ICD are those for whom preserving the venous system is desirable as well as dialysis patients who would otherwise be without an ICD option.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. This novel technique is one more weapon in the arsenal for cardiovascular care at Sentara.

After extensive training, Dr. Iyer championed the integration of this state-of-the-art procedure and said, “This first implant underscores Sentara’s leadership in adopting transformative cardiac technologies that elevate patient care across our region.”

Sentara Heart Hospital is nationally recognized for excellence in cardiovascular medicine, offering a comprehensive range of advanced electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and cardiac surgical services.

With one of the most experienced cardiac rhythm management teams in Virginia, the hospital continues to be at the forefront of innovation, delivering cutting-edge therapies, participating in leading research trials, and improving outcomes for patients in Hampton Roads.