Abbott & AtaCor Partner to Develop Extravascular ICD System

Abbott has entered into a strategic collaboration with AtaCor Medical to develop an investigational extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (EV-ICD) system, aimed at improving the safety and effectiveness of therapy for patients at risk of sudden cardiac death.

Under the agreement, Abbott’s investigational ICD platform will be combined with AtaCor Medical’s proprietary parasternal EV-ICD lead, known as Atala lead. Conventional ICD systems rely on transvenous leads placed inside the heart through blood vessels to detect and treat life-threatening arrhythmias. While effective, these systems can be associated with complications such as lead failure, vascular damage, infections, and challenges related to lead extraction.

The proposed EV-ICD system is designed to position the lead outside the heart and vasculature, reducing exposure to these risks while maintaining the ability to deliver timely defibrillation therapy. AtaCor’s directional lead technology is engineered to focus energy toward the heart, potentially enabling efficient shock delivery and pacing without intracardiac placement.

According to the companies, the collaboration aims to address longstanding clinical concerns associated with traditional cardiac rhythm management therapy and to simplify implantation procedures. By avoiding transvenous access, the system may also reduce long-term complications and the need for repeat interventions, particularly in younger patients or those with limited vascular access.

As part of the development programme, AtaCor plans to initiate the ALARION EV Study in 2026. The study will be conducted under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) and will evaluate the safety and performance of the combined Abbott–AtaCor EV-ICD system in a clinical setting.

Abbott stated that the partnership builds on its broader cardiac device portfolio, which includes leadless pacemakers and advanced pacing technologies. Clinical experts have noted that extravascular defibrillation systems could expand treatment options for patients who are not ideal candidates for conventional ICDs.

Also Read: Illumina Launches Billion Cell Atlas to Advance Drug Discovery

The collaboration reflects a shared focus by Abbott and AtaCor Medical on developing next-generation cardiac therapies that address unmet clinical needs and support improved patient outcomes.