On 6 July, Abbott won FDA approval for its next-generation Gallant implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) devices, equipped with Bluetooth technology and accompanying smartphone app.

The ongoing outbreak of Covid-19 has highlighted the advancement of healthcare, pushing innovation for patient-centred care and seamless communication of health information between the patient and provider. By connecting to a smartphone app via Bluetooth, the app is designed to make communication between doctors and patients more efficient, enhancing remote monitoring capabilities.

Prior to the pandemic, GlobalData expected the ICD and CRT-D market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5%. GlobalData estimated that the impact of Covid-19 decreased the number of ICD and CRT-D implants by almost half for 2020, as a result of the temporary suspension of non-essential procedures. With the release of Abbott and Johnson & Johnson’s Q2 financials, both companies reported a recovery in cardiovascular procedures in the month of June to approximately 90% of the pre-Covid-19 procedure rate.

While procedures are returning to normal, social distancing and minimal contact is still encouraged, highlighting the importance of better communication tools between patients and their healthcare providers. Enhancing remote monitoring capabilities enables physicians to identify abnormal heart rhythms and provide earlier interventions. These additions to Abbott’s next generation of ICD and CRT-D devices may put them in an advantageous position over other devices and may allow the company to recover faster from the impact of the pandemic.

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