The LifeVest Cardioverter Defibrillator is a wearable device for children and adults can use to help detect life-threatening arrhythmias and shock the heart if necessary.
However, some challenges have been reported with WCDs. They include frequent false shock alarms, electrocardiogram noise, and patient-reported discomfort.
Detecting Arrhythmias
If an arrhythmia is detected, the assure wearable LifeVest cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm.
The WCD uses an innovative detection algorithm that discriminates supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, reducing false alarm rates and inappropriate shocks. It also features a patient-focused design and technology to help patients feel more confident about their safety and well-being.
Results from the ACE-DETECT study suggest that the assured WCD provides an effective, safe, and reliable temporary arrhythmia treatment for patients who are temporarily not candidates for implantable defibrillators. The device demonstrated a low false-positive shock alarm rate, low patient-reported discomfort, high wear time compliance, and minimal adverse events.
The ASSURE system received FDA premarket approval in July 2021 and is protecting patients in multiple cities across the U.S. The sensor-fit garments’ practical design and comfortable styling offer cardiac patients the highest reliability medical device protection while supporting their daily activities.
Defibrillation
Defibrillation is an emergency treatment that can restore normal heart rhythm and prevent the death of someone who suddenly has a rapid or abnormal heartbeat. This can be done by using a personal defibrillator or an automated external defibrillator (AED).
An ICD is a small machine that sends a low-energy shock to correct an abnormal heartbeat. If this does not work, the device may switch to a high-energy shock to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm.
This is done to protect people who are at a higher risk of sudden cardiac death from arrhythmias, such as fast or irregular heartbeats that can cause damage to the heart and other organs.
A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) is a convenient, modern, and user-friendly device that combines a wearable cardiac rhythm monitor with an automatic external defibrillator. The assured WCD is designed to reduce false shock alarms and improve patient comfort.
Monitoring Heart Rate
Assure wearable cardioverter defibrillator is a non-invasive device that automatically monitors heart rhythm and detects dangerous ventricular arrhythmias. It may also deliver a shock (defibrillation) to restore a normal rhythm if necessary.
A patient-focused design and advanced technology make assure a wearable cardioverter defibrillator is a modern, convenient way to protect patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. It works with the ASSURE app and Kestra CareStation remote patient data platform to help deliver clear insights for patients and their physicians.
The assure wearable cardioverter defibrillator system is FDA-approved to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in adult patients who are at risk for ventricular arrhythmias but who are not candidates for or refuse an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Its low false-shock alarm rate and improved wear comfort may result in lower mortality rates.
Communication
Some people who have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) have been given a device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The ICD monitors the patient’s electrocardiogram (ECG) and delivers a shock to the heart to restore normal heart rhythm.
Some patients are sometimes given a wearable cardioverter defibrillator system, also known as a WCD, before receiving an ICD. Early versions of these systems were called wearable cardiac defibrillators, and they typically included a harness, vest, or another garment that the patient must wear.
In addition to a wearable component of the WCD system, such as a harness, vest, or another garment, it may also include electronic components that can sense a person’s ECG or sense other types of information. These electronics are connected to the harness, vest, or another garment, as well as to the external defibrillator 400, for example.
