Sudden cardiac death remains a major threat despite advances in medication and other treatments for preventing recurrent heart attacks and heart failure. Each year, it claims the lives of more than 400,000 Americans alone, and the overwhelming majority of those deaths are caused by ventricular fibrillation, or rapid, uncoordinated contractions.

Randomized trials have shown that implantable defibrillators dramatically reduce mortality in patients with a history of arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms caused by ventricular fibrillation, or in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. Today, the patient population of defibrillator candidates is significantly underserved. Without a defibrillator, a victim of sudden cardiac arrest has only a five-percent chance of survival. Implantable defibrillators currently on the market, however, are similar in form and function: titanium boxes implanted in the pectoral region. In most patients, this device creates a "cardiac bump" that is visible when not covered by loose-fitting clothes. The implant procedure typically requires hospitalization, followed by frequent device adjustments of complex features that few have the time or requisite skills to fully interpret or optimize.

Founded in 2003, InnerPulse, Inc. is a privately held, early-stage company with a cutting-edge alternative to traditional cardiac rhythm management devices. Our percutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator, the PICD^TM, represents a disruptive technology that will redefine its market category with a device built using reliable and time-tested industry components delivering functionality to the highest industry standards.

Unlike currently available products, InnerPulse offers a truly minimally invasive treatment, enabling physicians to implant the life-saving PICD^TM within the patient's vascular system using a simple, familiar technique. Specialists will perform the implant in traditional laboratories used for other cardiac procedures. Follow-up care for both the patient and device will be uncommonly simple, and the presence of the device will not be felt by the patient or visible to anyone.

The same technology used to develop the unique PICD^TM makes for an excellent natural platform extension to the cardiac pacemaker market. With development goals similar to those that produced the PICD^TM, our scientists and engineers are developing a cardiac pacemaker device that is uncomplicated and quick to implant, not cumbersome and time-consuming; straightforward and simple to later manage, not complex and overwhelming; and invisible to the patient, not a conversation piece.

At InnerPulse, we are developing innovative technology, devices, software protocols, and procedures to transform the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and save thousands of lives each year.