St. Jude Medical, Inc. (STJ) recently launched a new product, Promote Quadra cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D), in Europe. The new product is the industry’s first quadripolar pacing system with four pacing electrodes. This enables physicians to efficiently manage the ever-changing pacing needs of patients with heart failure. The device is presently under an investigational device exemption (IDE) trial for United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.
The Quartet left ventricular pacing lead is a part of the Promote Quadra system that enables up to ten pacing configurations. This permits the physician to implant the lead in the most stable position while selecting the most optimal pacing location. The multiple pacing electrodes also enable physicians to optimize CRT performance and avoid common pacing complications.
It is seen that the common pacing complications that occur in patients with a CRT system are high pacing thresholds and unintentional phrenic nerve or diaphragmatic stimulation. These complications arise due to improper location of the pacing lead electrode that often require the lead to be repositioned surgically.
We think that the new product will be highly accepted by cardiac surgeons due to its enhanced features. This should boost St. Jude’s top line.
St. Jude is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of medical devices used for treating cardiovascular and neurological conditions. The company is a leader in the mechanical heart valve market. St. Jude’s closest competitors are Medtronic Inc. (MDT) and Boston Scientific Corp. (BSX).
Currently, we are ‘Neutral’ on St. Jude.
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