Cooper University Health Care achieved another milestone and was the first hospital in the United States to implant the world’s smallest and thinnest implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
Inogen Mini ICD
ICDs are often used in patients who are diagnosed with congestive heart failure due to weak heart muscles and who are at risk of sudden death. “Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s need for nutrients and oxygen,” according to Perry J. Weinstock, MD, FACC, Director of the Cooper Heart Institute and Head of the Division of Cardiovascular Disease. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a rapid, unexpected death caused by loss of heart rhythm function. Nearly 400,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States.
Irene Turner, 65, of Atco, NJ, was the first patient to receive this innovative new device, Boston Scientific’s INOGEN™MINI ICD, in a procedure that was performed by George E. Mark, MD, FACC, FHRS, in late April. Dr. Mark is a cardiac arrhythmia specialist from The Heart House in Haddon Heights, NJ, and is a Community Physician on staff at Cooper. “The tiny size of this ICD provides an obvious benefit to most patients, in particular those with a smaller frame,” said Dr. Mark.
Turner had been treated for her heart condition medically for a number of months. “The doctors felt that I would benefit from this new device and I agreed,” Turner said. “I was happy to be the first patient and now I’m home, doing well. I feel wonderful.”
The Cooper Heart Institute is the most comprehensive heart care center in southern New Jersey, providing world-class cardiac care — in your neighborhood. Our physicians are experts in the treatment of heart disease and leaders in cardiology research. Utilizing the latest technology available to pinpoint and treat all types of heart problems, we produce superior outcomes for our cardiology patients.
To make an appointment with a Cooper Heart Institute physician, please use our online appointment request form or call 1.800.8.COOPER (1.800.826.6737).