Sorin Group announced that it has received CE mark certification to market its ESPRIT pacemaker family in Europe. The ESPRIT pacemaker, the latest family in Sorin Group’s pacemaker portfolio, is the smallest pacemaker, at 8cc, with no compromise on longevity. Featuring a set of algorithms designed to help patient safety and delivering proven pacing therapies, ESPRIT follows the success of the REPLY pacemaker launched in Europe in 2007, with a simplified user interface and SmartCheck for faster follow-ups. ESPRIT includes a host of algorithms designed for patient safety: continuous lead impedance measurements to monitor the integrity of the lead, automatic adjustment of atrial and ventricular sensing, and ventricular auto-threshold to automatically adjust pacing output in case of changing thresholds, thereby enhancing the performance and longevity of the device. ESPRIT includes Dplus, an automatic AV hysteresis algorithm designed toreduce right ventricular pacing. Unnecessary RV pacing has been shown to increase the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure hospitalization. ESPRIT also features SmartCheck, a tool designed for simplified device checks, which automates follow up tests at the click of a button. The first ESPRIT pacemaker was implanted by Dr. Jonas Hörnsten, MD, Cardiology Department, at Karolinska University Hospital, in Stockholm, Sweden, site of the world’s first pacemaker implant in 1958. Dr. Hörnsten commented: “The small size is impressive and for me that matters. SmartCheck is a very attractive feature and saves a lot of time. I'm very satisfied with Sorin products and support.” “The ESPRIT pacemaker family expands the range of options for physicians and their patients, providing advanced and simplified solutions, with no compromise on safety. Sorin Group continues to develop its product portfolio of technologically advanced features that are easy to use”, said Stefano Di Lullo, president of the Cardiac Rhythm Management Business Unit.