External-Internal Defibrillator

When cardiac patients have implanted defibrillators, it is usually the leads, rather than the device itself, that cause problems.  Heart tissue grows around the leads and removing them can require open chest surgery.  With a new subcutaneous defibrillator, the device is implanted in the skin beneath the armpit.  The higher shock it generates compensates for being off the chest and without leads.  Cameron Health, in San Clemente, CA, is the manufacturer.  MORE

Image Credit: Cameron Health and Technology Review