Image Credit: Abbott
Abbott announced FDA approval and CE mark for its UltiSynq defibrillation lead, designed to combine left bundle branch area pacing with defibrillation in compatible ICD and CRT-D systems. The lead incorporates true bipolar sensing and a short shock coil. Its engineering significance lies in combining a conduction system pacing implantation target with the sensing and high-voltage requirements of a defibrillation lead.
According to Abbott, the ASCEND CSP IDE trial achieved successful implantation in 98.5% of 205 attempts. Among successfully implanted patients, 86% achieved confirmed or likely left bundle branch pacing, while the remainder had left ventricular septal pacing. The three-month major complication-free rate was 97.5%. Defibrillation testing succeeded in all 120 patients tested without repositioning the lead.