New study suggests costly heart devices are too often implanted

[Pioneer Press, January 04, 2011] Implanted devices that shock failing hearts back into rhythm have saved tens of thousands of lives, doctors say, while also supporting a vibrant cluster of large medical-device companies in the Twin Cities.

But a new study reports that about 20 percent of more than 110,000 patients who received these costly devices between 2006 and 2009 didn't fit the profile of those shown to benefit from the implants.

For hospitals and doctors, the study creates an important opportunity to improve heart care by being more mindful of evidence-based guidelines, said Dr. Robert Hauser, a specialist at the Minneapolis Heart Institute. Read the full story online at twincities.com.