BRIEF: St. Jude Medical receives European approval for Assura heart devices 

BRIEF: St. Jude Medical receives European approval for Assura heart devices

Nov 28, 2012 (Star Tribune (Menafn - Minneapolis) - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --St. Jude Medical Inc. said Wednesday that European regulators have approved a new class of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) designed to deliver high levels of energy to the heart while minimizing unexpected shocks.

By receving the CE Mark, the St. Paul-based medical device company can begin selling its Assura portfolio of ICDs in countries like France, Germany, and Italy. The Assura devices can generate 40 joules of energy, the highest amount of energy that currently can shock a heart back into rhythm, the company said. The device also features Shockguard technology, a series of algorithms, or complex mathematical equations, designed to prevent the ICD from accidently shocking the heart.

"The Assura line of devices was designed for safety, reliability, and extended longevity to help physicans best treat their patients," Eric Fain, president of St. Jude's Implantable Electronic Systems division, said in a statement.

Thomas Lee -- 612-673-4113

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