What are Cardiovascular Medical Devices?

Cardiovascular medical devices are specific tools used to treat or monitor the cardiovascular system, whether it’s measuring the heart rate or reviving someone from a heart attack. These devices play a major role in early detection of cardiovascular diseases and in preventing further damage.

Common Types of Cardiovascular Medical Devices:

1. EKG/ECG (Electrocardiogram) - 

Purpose: An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of the heart and is used to test patients for heart attacks and arrhythmias. ECGs can be found everywhere, from the hospitals to your smartwatches. ECGs are also important in determining if heart treatments work effectively.

How it works: 

• ECG test requires the placement of 3 or 10 electrodes (sensors to measure the electrical activity) on your body

• 3 electrodes: Placed on the left and right arm, and left leg

• 10 electrodes: Placed in the same areas as 3 electrodes, plus 1 on the right leg and 6 around the heart

2. Sphygmomanometer -

Purpose: A sphygmomanometer measures the blood pressure to test patients for hypertension and determine a hypertensive crisis. Sphygmomanometers are common as people use it at home to manage their blood pressure. 

How it works: 

• Sphygmomanometers consist of a velcro cuff (strap) that is usually wrapped around the upper arm, an inflatable pump to apply pressure, and a monitor that shows the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure

3. Pulse Oximeter -

Purpose: A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation carried by your red blood cells and is used to detect heart failure, heart attacks, and congenital heart defects. It could detect conditions outside the cardiovascular system, like lung cancer, pneumonia, and asthma. Pulse oximeters are less common than sphygmomanometers due to cost.

How it works: 

• Pulse oximeters is a small device with a screen that shows the oxygen saturation

• Placed on the tip of one’s fingernail or earlobe to measure the blood saturation and heart rate

4. Pacemaker -

Purpose: A pacemaker controls the heartbeat and stimulates a regular heartbeat. It is for patients with arrhythmias or heart failure since their heart can’t maintain a regular heartbeat. 

How it works:

• Pacemakers are small battery devices implanted under the skin near the collarbone, requiring surgery and the replacement of battery every 10-15 years

• There are different types of pacemakers like biventricular pacemakers, which are for patients with heart failure and a slow heartbeat

5. Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)-

Purpose: An ICD controls the heartbeat and prevents a patient from cardiac arrest. It is for patients who have suffered from cardiac arrests or have arrhythmias. 

Difference between ICDs and Pacemakers: 

• Pacemaker is for patients with a slower heartbeat while ICD is for patients with a faster heartbeat

How it works:

• ICDs are small battery devices implanted in the chest where wires are connected to the heart to bring electric shocks in order to maintain a regular rhythm and decrease the risk of cardiac arrests

Cardiovascular Medical Devices

Sources and Citation:

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, April 2). Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/about/pac-20384983