[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]BIOTRONIK, a leading manufacturer of innovative medical technology, is highlighting its broad, innovative and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) approved implantable heart failure devices at the European Society of Cardiology congress, August 25-29, 2012.

The latest BIOTRONIK cardiac resynchronization devices, the Lumax 740 HF-T and Evia HF-T are the world‘s first CRT-D and CRT-P devices on the market approved for MR scans due to BIOTRONIK’s innovative ProMRI® technology. The BIOTRONIK ProMRI® portfolio, which also includes the Lumax 740 ICDs, Evia and Estella pacemakers and compatible leads, sets new standards in quality and innovation by allowing cardiac device patients to undergo vital MR scans for the first time.

According to the European Society of Cardiology, heart failure affects approximately 30 million people in Europe, and its incidence continues to increase.1 Data from the United States show that heart failure is responsible for more hospitalizations than all forms of cancer combined and that it is the most frequent cause of hospitalization in patients aged 65 years and older. Rehospitalization rates during the six months following discharge are as high as 50%.

In both the Lumax 740 HF-T and Evia HF-T devices, BIOTRONIK's Heart Failure Monitor enables continuous, advanced heart failure monitoring. BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring® uses technology that automatically transmits patient status and device data from the patient to the physician on a daily basis. The Heart Failure Monitor has a number of settings, including a thoracic impedance feature that predicts imminent cardiac decompensation, heart failure and helps physicians to prevent hospitalization.

“Heart failure patients tend to be older, aged 65 years or older, with more comorbidities,” commented Professor Dr. Wolfgang Bauer, cardiologist and expert in diagnostic imaging techniques from Germany's University of Würzburg. “There is a clear advantage when using a device such as the Evia HF-T or Lumax 740, which will enable physicians not only to monitor the patient remotely but also enable them to have MR scans -- a likely occurrence in heart failure patient populations.”

The BIOTRONIK CRT portfolio contains a number of MR compatible leads and lead introducers to complement the devices, allowing physicians to choose the optimal device and lead combination for each patient. Selectra, BIOTRONIK's introducer system, has a streamlined hub with a fully integrated hemostatic valve that minimizes handling complexity and maximizes the working length of the sheath during implant. The hydrophilic inner coating and low-friction valve are designed to reduce resistance and facilitate maneuverability of the lead.

“Heart failure is a growing public health problem,” commented Christoph Böhmer, President International, BIOTRONIK, “and we are committed to developing innovative solutions such as our new state-of-the-art HF-T devices to support physicians in treating this condition. BIOTRONIK's CRT portfolio includes cutting-edge technologies such as ProMRI® and the BIOTRONIK Heart Failure Monitor that enable physicians to choose the optimum combination for each patient and indication, and BIOTRONIK invests in landmark trials such as the EchoCRT trial to identify and answer open questions in the heart failure population and pave the way for continued clinical excellence.”