Holy Cross Hospital Investigates Early Heart Attack Detection Device

Fort Lauderdale, FL – July 13, 2011: Today Holy Cross Hospital announced its first implant of the AngelMed Guardian cardiac monitor and alert system. The system is designed to reduce the time it takes patients to get to the emergency room during an impending heart attack. Rishi Anand, M.D., performed the first implant in the state of Florida and is among the very first physicians across the United States to implant the experimental device.

The AngelMed Guardian system is designed to track significant changes in the heart’s electrical signal and then alert patients to seek medical attention. The objective of the ALERTS Pivotal Study is to provide an assessment of the safety and effectiveness of the AngelMed Guardian System.

Marilyn Chalom, of Fort Lauderdale, is the first patient in Florida enrolled in the ALERTS study to receive the AngelMed Guardian System. Chalom suffered her first heart attack approximately seven weeks ago.

“It was a complete surprise,” she said. “I had all types of symptoms. How would I know if it happened again? This way, I will be monitored 24/7.”

Chalom was successfully implanted with the device on Wednesday, May 25 by Dr. Rishi Anand of the Holy Cross Medical Group.

“This new procedure may soon enable surgeons to be proactive and provide treatment as soon as possible as high risk patients are alerted to seek treatment if the monitor detects changes in the electrical signal of the heart indicating the early onset of a heart attack,” said Dr. Anand.

According to the American Heart Association, one of every five deaths in the US is attributable to coronary heart disease. Further, 50% of heart-attack fatalities occur within one hour of symptom onset and occur before the patient even reaches the hospital.

The AngelMed Guardian System is comprised of an internal implantable device about the size of a standard pacemaker with a lead into the heart, an external telemetry device, and a programmer that aids physicians in evaluating heart signals.

The Jim Moran Heart and Vascular Research Institute at Holy Cross Hospital is the first medical facility in South Florida to participate in the AngelMed Guardian system trial. To participate in the ALERTS study, patients must meet various inclusion criteria. For more information on the AngelMed Guardian system or the ALERTS study protocol, contact 954-229-8400.