Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICDs):

Trends in Use

A Survey of 50 U.S. Based Electrophysiologists

April 2007

STUDY DESCRIPTION

OBJECTIVES

To understand Current Practices and Trends Regarding the Usage of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Light of “What’s Inside” National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Campaign Kicked Off by Medtronic.

• Determine anticipated ICD volume changes from 2006 to 2007
• Quantify anticipated ICD product mix by manufacturer
• Analyze referral patterns and patient volume change from 2006 to 2007
• Gain feedback on Medtronic’s “What’s Inside” campaign

companies and Products mentioned in this report 

Key Findings

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Use: Nearly half (46%) of respondents indicate increases in ICD implant volume in the past 3 months of 2007 versus the same 3 months from 2006. 52% of the respondents anticipate this increasing trend will continue throughout the year. 38% of electrophysiologists report increases in ICD implant volume from the last 3 months (October through December) of 2006 to the past 3 months (February through April) in 2007.

ICD Manufacturers: Medtronic is and will continue to be the leader in ICD implants, according to electrophysiologists, however, they expect slight increases in the use of Guidant ICD implants over the next year.

Practice Patterns: 78% of respondents are busy but would like to see increases in their patient volumes. The majority are taking steps to increase patient referrals.

Medtronic Campaign: Overall awareness of the Medtronic campaign is high (84% of the electrophysiologists). Two-thirds believe the campaign and related efforts will increase ICD initial implant growth and patient referrals.

MedPanel Recruitment & Quantitative Study Methodology

Recruitment Criteria for Survey:

• Electrophysiologists
• Implant at least 10 implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) per month
• 2 to 30 years of post-redidency clinical experience
• Spend 75%+ of professional time in clinical practice

Survey Detail:

• Self-administered survey
• Approximately 10 minutes duration
• 50 total respondents (22 from the Northeast, 12 from the Midwest, 7 from the Southeast, 6 from the West, and 3 from the Southwest)
• Fielded online from April 20, 2007 to April 27, 2007

Summarize Results
and Key Findings
for Final Report

Deliver Final
Analysis and
Results

STEP 3: Wrap-Up

Clean and
Analyze Final
Data Set

Participants Respond to Survey
While MedPanel Collects Data &
Monitors for Integrity

STEP 2: Fielding

Respondent
Quota(s) Reached;
Survey Closed

Send Invitations
to Participant
List

Kickoff: Clarify
Clinical or
Business-related
Issues

MedPanel Team Drafts
Initial Survey &
Recruitment Criteria

Program and
Test Online
Survey

STEP 1: Setup

Detailed Findings and Analyses

1.              How do you anticipate your ICD initial implant volume from (February 1 – April 30, 2007) will compare with your initial implant volume from (February 1 – April 30, 2006)?

2.              In February, March, and April (February 1 – April 30) of 2007, do you anticipate your patient referrals to your practice for ICD therapy will increase, decrease or stay the same versus the last three months (October 1 – December 31) of 2006.

3.              For the full year 2007, how do you expect your ICD initial implant volumes to compare with 2006?

4.              Thinking of your implant volume for February, March, and April (February 1 – April 30) of 2007, what do you anticipate your product mix will be – by manufacturer – for a.) all ICD implants and then b.) just CRT-D devices?

Other, specify: Biotronik (4 mentions)

5.              One year from now, what do you anticipate your product mix will be?

Other, specify: Biotronik (8 mentions)

6.              Which of the following statements best characterizes your views of your practice today?

7a.              Are you taking active steps to generate referrals from general cardiologists, internists, and/or heart failure specialists?

7b.              Are you doing more to generate referrals from general cardiologists, internists, and/or heart failure specialists today than you were doing 12 or 24 months back?

Medtronic kicked off its “What’s Inside” National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness campaign earlier this year, focusing on awareness of the risks of sudden cardiac death coupled with the effectiveness and reliability of ICD therapy. Medtronic is also undertaking its own national “Get with the Guidelines” initiative and will be working with a coalition of industry partners and medical associations (ACC, HRS) to drive the adoption of the current ICD guidelines throughout the healthcare system.

8a.              Have you seen media related to the “What’s Inside” campaign from Medtronic?