Pacemaker manufacturers

Today, there are many pacemaker manufacturers on the medical equipment market. The world leaders are American companies: Medtronic, St Jude, Boston Scientific, German Biotronic, Italian Sorin Group and Dutch Vitatron. Among Russian pacemakers, the most popular are Baikal from the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant and Juniors from the Cardioelectronics enterprise.

Let's look at the top five manufacturers of devices for maintaining heart rhythm:

1. Medtronic – the company produces single, dual and triple chamber devices. The devices of this manufacturer were the first fully implantable with replaceable batteries. Early models were powered by an outlet, so their use in everyday life was difficult.

The pacemaker stimulates the heart muscle in a physiological mode. At the same time, all functions of the mechanism are fully automated. The most popular Medtronic models are the dual-chamber Sensia, SureScan, Adapta.

2. St. Jude Medical is a major pacemaker manufacturer that has been operating on the market since 1976. The company produces not only pacemakers, but also a variety of other medical equipment, including cardioverter-defibrillators. The manufacturer has patented several successful technologies:

• Ventricular Intrinsic Preference – prevents unnecessary stimulation of the ventricles of the heart.
• AutoCapture – determines the organ stimulation threshold based on available indicators.
• SenseAbility – automatically restores normal heart rhythm.
• InvisiLink – remotely monitors and notifies the patient about all changes in his body.

Another feature of the devices from St. Jude Medical is the ability to conduct MRI, ECG recording and other diagnostic studies.

3. Biotronik is a German company engaged in the production and maintenance of cardiac equipment. It produces implantable devices - pacemakers for slow heart rate and cardioverter-defibrillators for rapid heart rate. ECS have an automatic system for physiological regulation of the heart. They have a minimum of contraindications, allowing you to lead a full life.
4. Boston Scientific is an American manufacturer of various cardiac equipment. Among the pacemaker models, most are single- and dual-chamber, but there are also more modern triple-chamber, as well as miniature devices for children and people with a narrow chest. All devices have sensors that adjust the mechanism to the emotional state, i.e. excitement or calmness.
5. Vitatron is a European manufacturer of pacemakers. It produces many models to meet different patient requirements. The devices are highly accurate, as all analog signals are converted to digital, increasing the accuracy of data collection and storage. The sensors monitor the physical characteristics of the body, electrical activity and metabolic processes in the heart.

All of the above manufacturers produce pacemakers in different price categories, which allows you to choose the best option for an artificial pacemaker based on all characteristics.

Pacemaker medtronic (medtronic)

The first implantable pacemakers were released by the American company Medtronic in the 60s of the last century. Before that, artificial pacemakers were stationary and powered only from a socket, they were used during surgical interventions.

Today, Medtronic produces various cardiology equipment. Pacemakers have become widely popular. The most popular are dual-chamber models: SureScan, Adapta and Sensia with ventricular stimulation control function.

• The pacemakers continuously adapt their functionality to optimally stimulate the heart muscle.
• The devices are compatible with magnetic resonance imaging procedures.
• The device's software accurately determines stimulation thresholds, monitors the electrical activity of the heart and the general condition of the body.

Medtronic produces single-chamber wireless devices, external stimulators used in medical institutions and intensive care, pacemakers, defibrillators for the treatment of severe arrhythmia, and other equipment. On average, the service life of a Medtronic pacemaker is 10-12 years.

Pacemaker Junior

EKS Junior is a Russian-made device from ZAO Cardioelectronics. The company released its first device in 1961. The first models weighed more than 60 g, were asynchronous and worked for 2-3 years.

Today, the company has over 25 unique cardiac devices. These are single- and dual-chamber pacemakers, pacemakers, external and implantable neurostimulators, defibrillators. Modern Junior models have the following properties:

• Frequency adaptation of electrical impulses for patients with an active lifestyle.
• Tachycardia protection function.
• Recording and storing data on the work of the heart and pacemaker.
• Collect data on the stimulation system to assess its effectiveness and overall health.

Popular Junior models:

1. SR – designed for patients with atrioventricular block (AV) and other disorders of electrical stimulation of the atrium or ventricles. The single-chamber model is not inferior in functionality to foreign analogues. It operates in several modes, which allows to alleviate the patient's condition as much as possible.
2. DR is a series of two-chamber models with partial adaptation, which allows for an active lifestyle. The device is used in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, especially AV blocks and Morgagni-Adams-Stokes syndrome. It has a wide range of functions for individual adjustment.

Single and double chamber Junior models can be installed under a quota.

Pacemaker vitatron (vitatron)

Vitatron is a European company that has been manufacturing artificial pacemakers since 1956. It is a subsidiary of Medtronic. According to statistics, more than 700 thousand Vitatron devices have been installed worldwide.

Vitatron positions its ECG as fully digital devices. That is, all analog data collected by the device is converted into digital, which significantly simplifies their reading and work with software. Another advantage of the European manufacturer is the energy-saving technology of EGM recording. All devices can operate in the following modes: VVIR, VVI, VVT, VOO, AAIR, AAI, AAT, AOO, OOO, DDD, DDI, DOO, VDDR, VDD, DDDR, DDIR.

EKS Vitatron has a frequency adaptation function and two sensors:

1. An accelerometer is a mechanical activity sensor.
2. Physiological sensor – collects data from the QT interval of the heart signal about the body's metabolic needs.

Both sensors are mandatory for modern cardiac devices with frequency adaptation. The company produces single-chamber pacemakers with and without frequency adaptation, dual-chamber pacemakers. Vitatron's G series pacemakers have a defibrillator function. They record atrial tachycardias, restore atrial fibrillation, and alleviate painful symptoms with irregular ventricular contractions and atrial tachyarrhythmias. The service life of the devices is about 9-11 years, and the weight is 23-25 g.

Vitatron e60a1

Vitatron specializes in the production of cardiac devices. The E series pacemakers deserve special attention. These models represent a comprehensive set of various diagnostic tools for data collection, treatment, prevention and continuous monitoring of atrial arrhythmia.

Vitatron e60a1 is a dual-chamber pacemaker with more precise frequency adaptation. The main functions of the device:

• Continuous analysis of patient activity.
• Supports physiological heart rate.
• Control of the output parameters of the ventricular channel.
• Long-term threshold trends.
• Optimized battery consumption.
• Self-diagnosis of the device.

Dual-zone adaptation allows you to adjust frequency electrical stimulation for different functions, i.e. from high loads to moderate daily activities.

Biotronic pacemaker

German artificial pacemakers Biotronik are distinguished by high quality, a wide range of models and unique functionality. The company produces single- and dual-chamber pacemakers with frequency adaptation, the ability to change the frequency of electrical impulses under the influence of emotional and physical stress.

Main models of Biotronic pacemakers:

• Effecta S – single-chamber.
• Effecta SR – single-chamber with frequency adaptation.
• Effecta SR-T – single-chamber with frequency adaptation and Home Monitoring function.
• Effecta D - two-chamber.
• Effecta DR – dual-chamber with frequency adaptation.
• Effecta DR-T – two-chamber with frequency adaptation and Home Monitoring function.

This series of devices is fully automated and has an increased level of safety. ECS are used to treat bradycardia, arrhythmia and other diseases with heart rhythm disturbances. Biotronic pacemakers are protected from electromagnetic interference. They support the physiological work of the heart due to the hysteresis function, significantly reducing the need for cardiac stimulation.

The company also produces temporary devices that operate in single- and dual-chamber stimulation modes. ECS are used for synchronous or asynchronous short-term stimulation for both preventive and diagnostic purposes. Temporary mechanisms are recommended for complete heart block, sinus node weakness syndrome, sinus bradycardia, cardiac arrest, complicated primary infarction. Cardiology equipment is used for stimulation, assessment and compensation before implantation of a permanent device.

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Sensia pacemaker

One of the most popular series of pacemakers from Medtronic is the Sensia pacemaker. These devices have advanced features that include automatic stimulation of the heart rhythm to its physiological norm and analysis of the collected information.

Sensia Features:

• Fully automatic functionality and ease of use. The device controls the capture of the atria and ventricle. It independently determines the stimulation thresholds in both chambers, adjusting its parameters to the patient's characteristics.
• Inside the pacemaker is an electronic circuit. This mini-computer converts the battery's energy into small electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to contract. It also controls and manages the time intervals and strength of the impulses sent to the heart.
• The entire device is hidden in a metal case. At the top of the case is a connecting block. It is a plastic connector for connecting electrodes. The electrodes are covered with a special insulating shell. They conduct electrical impulses and collect information about the work of the heart.

Most often, the Sensia pacemaker from Medtronic is implanted in cases of bradycardia, i.e. a slow heart rate. The device restores the physiological functioning of the organ, ensuring normal blood circulation.

Sensia sedr01

A popular model of the pacemaker from Medtronic is the Sensia sedr01. The device is equipped with automatic tracking of the patient's own natural conduction in the heart. The pacemaker reduces unwanted stimulation of the ventricles, records and stores information about the heart's work.

• The main indications for the installation of sedr01 are bradycardia, arrhythmia, heart failure and other pathological disorders of the organ.
• The device is implanted under local anesthesia. The first months after the operation, the patient is shown a rehabilitation period and training in handling the artificial pacemaker.
• The pacemaker has a body made of inert metal, so the device is not rejected by the body, does not cause inflammatory or infectious reactions. Some patients note the presence of minor discomfort in the chest, but as they get used to it, the unpleasant sensations pass.

The device is fully protected from electromagnetic interference, so it does not react to magnetic frames and other sources of electrical impulses. The service life of sedr01 is up to 12 years.

Boston scientific pacemakers

The American company Boston Scientific Corporation is known worldwide for its production of cardiac medical equipment and surgical supplies. Boston Scientific pacemakers have sensors that are highly sensitive to the patient's condition. They monitor the heart rhythm and correct it if necessary, i.e. they have frequency-adaptive functions.

Today the company offers the following devices:

• Artificial cardiac pacemakers.
• Cardioverter-defibrillators.
• Devices for the treatment of heart failure with functions that affect heart rhythm disturbances.

The pacemakers of the American manufacturer are small in size and weigh from 21 to 29.6 g. The main model range is represented by single- and dual-chamber devices. But the company produces triple-chamber pacemakers for patients with low contractility of the left ventricle. Also, all devices are equipped with an automatic sensor for monitoring the battery charge level, which is checked every 10-12 hours.

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Sorin pacemakers

Another world-famous company engaged in the development and production of cardiac equipment is Sorin. The Italian brand offers a wide range of various devices for treatment, prevention, diagnostics and monitoring of heart rhythm.

Sorin pacemakers have a wide range of functions that provide reliable electrical stimulation and a high level of safety for patients. The company produces single, dual and triple chamber devices, external pacemakers and pacemakers with a defibrillator function. The brand is distinguished by high-quality equipment and affordable prices.

Esprit pacemakers

The Italian company Sorin produces the Esprit series of pacemakers. The devices are developed on a platform using innovative technologies. The pacemaker has the following properties:

• Supports physiological stimulation of the heart.
• Ensures complete safety for patients.
• Maintains ventricular rhythm by seeking its own stimulation.
• Reduces the risk of developing heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
• Smoothes the heart rhythm.

The device operates on the D-Plus algorithm, which searches for its own conductivity, thereby reducing the percentage of excessive stimulation. The ECS kit includes a set of electrodes and an Adelante introducer. The Esprit features include specialized functions for measuring electrode resistance every 6 hours, a control examination, and analysis of information about the heart's work collected by the device.

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Crt pacemaker

To treat severe heart failure, some patients are prescribed implantation of cardiac pacemakers CRT. These devices combine the functions of an ECS and a defibrillator. Cardiac resynchronization devices are prescribed in the following cases:

• If the electrical impulses responsible for relaxation and contraction of the heart muscle are slow or uneven.
• The left ventricle does not contract simultaneously with the right.
• Insufficient pumping of blood due to impaired coordination of the heart.

The artificial pacemaker CRT coordinates (resynchronizes) the contraction of the ventricles, increasing the overall efficiency of the cardiovascular system. The biventricular device alleviates the symptoms of heart failure, improves the patient's quality of life and prolongs it.

The device is implanted in the area under the collarbone, and its electrodes are placed in the heart. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes 1-2 hours. The first time after the installation of the pacemaker, there may be unpleasant sensations, but they quickly pass as you get used to the device.

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St Jude Medical Pacemaker

St. Jude Medical is the largest American manufacturer of medical equipment. The company manufactures equipment and implantable electronic systems (ECS, cardioverter-defibrillators) for the cardiovascular system. St Jude Medical pacemakers are available in single, dual and triple chamber models.

Features of artificial pacemakers:

• The devices are equipped with a special VIP (Ventricular Intrinsic Preference) technology, which prevents unnecessary ventricular stimulation.
• AutoCapture technology, which automatically determines the stimulation threshold, effectively corrects the heart rhythm.
• Some models are equipped with InvisiLink technology, which enables remote monitoring and notification of significant clinical events.
• Thanks to the QuickOpt algorithm, the devices suggest pacing the right ventricle taking into account the normal AV interval.
• Cardiology equipment is compatible with MRI procedures, records and stores information about the operation of the device itself and the functioning of the heart.

The service life of pacemakers from St. Jude Medical is about 15 years for single-chamber models and up to 10 years for dual-chamber models. The exact time depends on the correct settings of the device and its operating mode.

Pacemaker sustain

A popular model of pacemaker from the American company St. Jude Medical is Sustain. The device is single-chamber with frequency adaptation and has the following set of functions:

• Automatic measurement of electrode impedance and ventricular sensitivity threshold.
• Maximum adaptability to the sensitivity threshold.
• High level of safety for patients.
• Built-in accelerometer for automatic heart rate monitoring at rest.
• Automatic response of the device to changes in heart rate.

The device has a miniature physiological form. The service life declared by the manufacturer is at least 13 years.

Pacemaker vvir

Single-chamber devices for ventricular pacing with rate adaptation are artificial pacemakers with VVIR mode. This mode indicates that the stimulating and sensing electrodes are located in the right ventricle. That is, when spontaneous activity of the ventricle occurs, its stimulation is blocked.

VVIR cardiology equipment supports the natural operation of the heart's automaticity system, significantly reducing the need for cardiac stimulation. The device's output signals, in combination with atrium/ventricle capture, provide auxiliary impulses that correspond to physiological heartbeats.

Pacemaker Baikal

Artificial pacemakers called Baikal are Russian-made pacemakers. The devices are manufactured by the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. The company has been developing and manufacturing pacemakers and other implantable devices since 1988.

Baikal is presented as both single and double chamber devices, which have the following functions:

• Frequency adaptation.
• A system for recording and storing information about the work of the heart and the device.
• Automatic switching of operating modes when atrial fibrillation is detected.

Cardiology equipment is used to treat cardiac arrhythmias by electrically stimulating the ventricles and/or atria. The devices are prescribed for atrioventricular block, Morgagni-Stokes syndrome, and other pathological conditions.

The pacemakers come with their own monopolar or bipolar electrodes with tips. The implantable mechanism itself has a teardrop shape, a capacious battery and a housing made of inert material.

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Evia pacemaker

The German company Biotronik is engaged in the production of high-tech cardiology equipment. The EKS Evia model range deserves special attention. The main feature of this series is the use of cardiac muscle stimulation technology in closed control with full automation. The device is effective in the treatment of bradycardia, arrhythmia and other causes of cardiac arrhythmia.

Main models of Evia pacemakers:

• SR – single-chamber with frequency adaptation.
• SR-T – single-chamber with frequency adaptation and HomeMonitoring function.
• SR-T ProMRI is an MRI-compatible single-chamber device with frequency adaptation and HomeMonitoring function.

• D – two-chamber.
• DR – dual chamber with frequency adaptation.
• DR ProMRI – MRI-compatible dual-chamber with frequency adaptation.
• DR-T – dual-chamber with frequency adaptation and HomeMonitoring function.
• DR-T ProMRI – MRI-compatible dual-chamber frequency-adaptive scanner with HomeMonitoring function

• HF – three-chamber.
• HF ProMRI – three-chamber with frequency adaptation.
• HF-T – three-chamber with frequency adaptation and HomeMonitoring function.
• HF-T ProMRI – MRI-compatible three-chamber frequency-adaptive system with HomeMonitoring function.

All devices operate according to a special algorithm that maintains physiological heart rhythm. Ventricular stimulation is performed automatically when any abnormalities in the organ's functioning are detected. This significantly reduces the risk of severe side effects and the need for hospitalization of patients. The pacemakers also have a function for monitoring the capture of the ventricles and atria, thanks to which the implant can serve for more than 13 years.

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Extime pacemaker

One of the pacemaker manufacturers from Russia is Elektim-Cardio. The company develops and produces various implantable devices for electrocardiostimulation.

The Eksteym series deserves special attention. The devices are represented by single- and dual-chamber pacemakers, external devices. The company also produces electrodes and defibrillators. Artificial pacemakers have a frequency adaptation function. The average service life of cardiological equipment from Elektim-Cardio is at least five years.

New generation pacemaker

American scientists have invented a new generation of pacemakers, which are currently at the testing stage, but have the following set of unique functions:

• The implanted device has a special membrane, which is created on a 3D printer individually for each patient.
• Electrodes are embedded in a thin elastic shell that monitor the heart's functioning parameters and, if necessary, restore its function.
• The membrane is placed on the heart wall without the need to sew the device into the skin. The membrane ensures the heart works even outside the human body.
• The heart rate is regulated by signals and impulses from the central nervous system. Stimulation is carried out over the entire surface of the membrane, and not from one point. Thanks to this, the organ does not stop working during arrhythmia or heart attacks.

Also among the innovative cardiac devices for stimulating the heart rhythm are: wireless devices, devices that allow for magnetic resonance imaging and remote monitoring of the patient's condition. Three- and four-chamber mechanisms, pacemakers with a defibrillator function are also in demand.

Affinity sr pacemaker

The American manufacturer of medical equipment St. Jude Medical produces a wide variety of models of cardiac systems, defibrillators and other devices for diagnostics, treatment and prevention of serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

The Affinity SR pacemaker deserves special attention. The device was developed by Pacesetter (a division of Siemens AG), which was acquired by St. Jude Medical in 1994.

Affinity SR:

• Single-chamber multiprogrammable pacemaker with frequency adaptation function.
• The device has miniature dimensions and weighs 23 g.
• Power source: lithium-iodine battery.
• Works in VVI, VVIR, DDI, DDIR, DDD, DDDR stimulation modes with monopolar stimulation configuration and bipolar sensitivity.

The main distinctive feature of this model is the first implemented function of automatic stimulation threshold with correction of the amplitude of the stimulating pulse. Due to this, the device provides effective and safe stimulation of the heart muscle with minimal energy consumption. Today, all modern artificial pacemakers work according to this algorithm.

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Advisa pacemaker

Another device from Medtronic is the Advisa dual-chamber artificial cardiac pacemaker. The pacemaker is a multiprogrammable device and has the following functions:

• Monitoring and correction of heart rate.
• Single and dual chamber frequency-adaptive stimulation.
• Heart rate analysis based on detection.
• Automatic detection of atrial tachyarrhythmia.
• Automatic response to bradyarrhythmia with antibradycardic stimulation.
• Possibility of performing magnetic resonance imaging.

The device is protected from electromagnetic and other types of impact. Its miniature size does not cause discomfort after implantation. And the high battery capacity guarantees long-term operation.

Stratos pacemaker

German medical equipment manufacturer Biotronik has introduced a unique pacemaker Stratos with a built-in GSM module. Thanks to this, the pacemaker is able not only to analyze the collected parameters of cardiac activity, but also to send them to the attending physician and the patient himself in the form of a message. This will reduce the number of fatalities and the frequency of hospitalizations.

Stratos devices also have three channels for stimulating the heart, which significantly improves the functioning of the organ. The device automatically corrects the heart rhythm and has a defibrillator function that prevents cardiac arrest.

American pacemakers

The world market leaders in the development and production of cardiology equipment are American companies. EKS from the USA have universal functionality that allows you to lead a full life with a minimum of restrictions.

American pacemakers are represented by the following companies:

• Medtronic
• Vitatron (a subsidiary of Medtronic)
• St. Jude Medical
• Boston Scientific

Manufacturers produce single, dual, triple and quadruple chamber models, as well as wireless devices, defibrillators, temporary pacemakers and many other equipment. American devices have protection against electromagnetic and magnetic interference, a remote monitoring system, frequency adaptation, and many operating modes.

In addition, some models are able to independently regulate the heart rate, allowing the patient to fully improve his life without experiencing heart problems. The service life of pacemakers is about 7-10 years. In terms of price, American devices are the most expensive. However, the high price is fully justified by the functionality, reliable operation and capacious battery.

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Russian pacemakers

Among the popular cardiology equipment for the treatment of heart failure, there are also companies from Russia. Russian-made pacemakers are almost as good as their foreign counterparts. Pacemakers have a decent set of functions and a long service life.

The main developers and manufacturers of artificial heart rhythm drivers in Russia are:

1. Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Izhevsk Mechanical Plant" - Baikal devices.
2. JSC "Cardioelectronics" - EKS Junior.

Both companies offer single- and dual-chamber models with their own electrodes. The pacemaker line also includes frequency-adaptive models and defibrillators.

Features of Russian medical devices for maintaining heart rhythm:

• Teardrop-shaped body, facilitating the implantation process.
• Frequency adaptation.
• System for diagnostics and monitoring of data on the work of the pacemaker and heart.
• Possibility of selecting the stimulation mode for atrial flutter.
• Lack of possibility to perform magnetic resonance imaging.
• Lack of a remote monitoring system with which the attending physician can monitor the patient's condition.

The service life of Russian pacemakers is about 10 years, and the weight is 24-27 g. In terms of price, the devices are much more affordable than American and European ones.