Medtronic said that its AdaptivCRT algorithm helped to reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes and enhanced patient activity levels in two real-world analyses.

The data was collected from 408 patients with heart failure by using Medtronic’s cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device in two real-world analyses at 26 centers in Italy.

The first analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of AF episodes of all measured durations in 210 patients with AdaptivCRT on compared to 198 patients with conventional CRT.

Medtronic’s second analysis revealed that AdaptivCRT is linked with a higher daily activity level for patients with the feature ON compared to those with conventional CRT.

AdaptivCRT algorithm, which is available on Medtronic CRT-Ds and CRT-Ps, helps to adjust the implanted device paces in the heart based on minute-to-minute evaluations of each patient's rhythm.

It features two different modes, including AdaptivCRT LV only pacing and AdaptivCRT BiV pacing.

AdaptivCRT LV only pacing takes place during normal AV conduction when the heart rate is less than or equal to 100 beats per minute. It helps to enhance A-V timing and minimizes right ventricular (RV) pacing.

AdaptivCRT BiV pacing takes place during prolonged/blocked AV conduction or when the heart rate is greater than 100 beats per minute. It also enhances A-V and V-V timing. 

According to Medtronic, the randomized clinical trial showed that AdaptivCRT increases CRT response rate, decreases unnecessary right ventricular pacing and improves clinical outcomes for patients with normal AV conduction

Additional analyses demonstrated that AdaptivCRT decreases patients' odds of a 30-day heart failure readmission, helping to reduce the risk of AF.

Medtronic cardiac rhythm and heart failure division’s cardiac resynchronization therapy business general manager and vice president Dr Kweli Thompson said: "The AdaptivCRT feature continues to perform consistently in a variety of settings – the rigor of a randomized, controlled trial, as well as in real-world settings – and is associated with a significantly reduced risk of AF.”


Image: Medtronic operational headquarters. Photo: courtesy of Medtronic.