Abbott won FDA approval in July for its next-generation Gallant implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) devices, which was equipped with Bluetooth technology and an accompanying smartphone app. This approval places Abbott in an advantageous position over other devices and may allow the company to recover faster from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, because it enables physicians to identify abnormal heart rhythms and provide earlier interventions, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData estimated that the impact of COVID-19 decreased the number of ICD and CRT-D implants between March to May 2020, as a result of the temporary suspension of non-essential procedures. Recently, both Abbott and Johnson & Johnson reported a recovery in cardiovascular procedures in the month of June to approximately 90% of the pre-COVID-19 procedure rate as countries eased restrictions and lockdowns

Sheryl Tang, Principal Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 has highlighted the advancement of healthcare, pushing innovation for patient-centered care and seamless communication of health information between the patient and provider.

“These additions to Abbott’s next generation of ICD and CRT-D devices are designed to make communication between doctors and patients more efficient, enhancing remote monitoring capabilities.”