The interventional cardiology department of the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital has just implanted the 500th Aurora EV‑ICD extravascular defibrillator in France, confirming its position as the second leading national center for this innovative technology dedicated to the prevention of sudden cardiac death.
A major breakthrough in the prevention of sudden cardiac death.
Cardiac arrest is most often related to severe rhythm disorders, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. For more than 30 years, transvenous implantable cardioverter‑defibrillators (ICDs) have played a key role in managing these conditions by delivering electrical shocks or pacing therapies capable of restoring a normal heart rhythm and saving lives.
Developed by Medtronic, the Aurora™ EV‑ICD extravascular defibrillator builds on this therapeutic legacy while introducing a major innovation. It preserves the benefits of conventional implantable defibrillators while reducing the long‑term risks associated with intracardiac leads. Its uniqueness lies in a lead positioned outside the heart and vascular system, beneath the sternum, through a minimally invasive approach. This extravascular positioning helps limit complications such as venous occlusion, lead fractures, or infections (infective endocarditis).
Explains Dr. Pierre‑Antoine Catalan, cardiac electrophysiologist at the Clermont‑Ferrand University Hospital.The extravascular positioning of the lead represents a true paradigm shift: it reduces long‑term complications while maintaining optimal therapeutic effectiveness.
Aurora™ EV-ICD : sécurité, efficacité et confort pour le patient
The device is implanted under the left armpit and paired with an Epsila EV™ MRI SureScan™ extravascular lead positioned beneath the sternum.
Designed to combine performance and durability, the Aurora™ EV‑ICD offers an estimated longevity of up to 11.7 years, with a device size comparable to that of conventional implantable defibrillators.
It delivers several therapies tailored to patient needs:
- an electrical shock to terminate severe ventricular arrhythmias;
- anti‑tachycardia pacing, which can in some cases avoid the need for a shock;
- temporary pacing, intended to prevent cardiac pauses.
The system’s clinical performance is supported by clinical studies and the international Enlighten registry, which report particularly encouraging results: a 98.7% defibrillation success rate in the pivotal trial and 100% shock efficacy in post‑market follow‑up, with a low complication rate.
Recognized expertise at the Clermont‑Ferrand University Hospital.
Since the launch of this activity in July 2024, the Clermont‑Ferrand University Hospital has already equipped 37 patients, including three minors—among them a 7‑year‑old girl—demonstrating the team’s ability to manage a wide range of patient profiles, often complex:
- patients at risk of sudden cardiac death following myocardial infarction;
- patients with rare genetic diseases;
- patients suffering from severe heart failure;
- patients who have survived a cardiac arrest (recovered sudden death).
Notes Dr. Catalan.This technology is particularly valuable for young patients or those with contraindications to transvenous leads. It enables us to tailor the therapeutic strategy as closely as possible to each patient’s individual profile.
A commitment to innovation and patient safety.
With the completion of this 500th implantation, the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital reaffirms its status as a national leader in interventional cardiology, combining excellence in care, technological innovation, and a strong commitment to patients and medical research.
As a reminder, the cardiac electrophysiology specialty within the CHU’s cardiology department is ranked first in France in the hospital rankings published by Le Point magazine — a recognition of the team’s expertise and outstanding know‑how.
