A physician at Bassett Medical Center is one of the first in the region to successfully implant a novel extravascular defibrillator to treat patients with dangerously fast heart rhythms, a condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

The Medtronic Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (EV-ICD) system, which is composed of the Aurora EV-ICD™ MRI SureScan™, the Epsila EV™ MRI SureScan™ defibrillation lead, and proprietary implant tools, recently received FDA approval.

The first Aurora EV-ICD system implant at Bassett Medical Center was performed by Dr. James Storey, Electrophysiology Cardiologist, on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The patient was 70-year-old Anton (Nick) Kovac of Springfield, NY.

“I have never had problems with my heart until one day this past February when I was plowing and shoveling snow. I got short of breath, dizzy, and my vision blurred. My wife called 9-1-1 and EMTs took me to the emergency room at Bassett Medical Center for care,” says Nick. “My medical team and I decided I should have a defibrillator. Dr. Storey was great at explaining what was going on, so I felt good going into surgery. He explained that this kind of defibrillator was best for me due to other conditions that have. When I was in recovery, he told me ‘everything went textbook’ and I was able to go home later that same day.

The Aurora EV-ICD system is a first-of-its-kind defibrillator with the lead placed under the breastbone, outside of the heart and veins. It delivers lifesaving defibrillation and anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) therapy all in one system via a single implanted device that is similar in size, shape, and projected longevity to traditional, transvenous ICDs.

“The Aurora EV-ICD system allows us to offer patients the benefits of traditional ICDs, while reducing certain risks that come with placing leads in the heart or veins,” said Dr. Storey. “We strive to deliver high-quality patient care, and this technology is another step forward in providing our patients with the latest clinical advancements to manage their cardiac condition.”

The Aurora EV-ICD is implanted below the left armpit, and the Epsila EV defibrillation lead is placed under the breastbone using a minimally invasive approach. Placing the leads outside the heart and veins is designed to help avoid long-term complications that may be associated with transvenous leads, such as vessel occlusion (narrowing, blockage or compression of a vein) and risks for blood infections.

The Medtronic EV ICD system recently was evaluated in a worldwide pivotal study, involving 356 patients at 46 hospitals in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In the study, the EV ICD System achieved a defibrillation success rate of 98.7% and met its safety endpoints of freedom from major system and/or procedural complications at six months after implant. Results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. [1]

First photo caption: Dr. James Storey, nurses, technicians and other healthcare providers who assisted with Bassett Medical Center’s first case with the Medtronic EV-ICD system take a photo with a celebratory banner.  

Second photo caption: James Storey, MD

PLATINUM INVESTORS