Intermedics enters International classification of disease (ICD) market:

A new competitor has entered the US defibrillator market following FDA approval of Intermedics' Res-Q ACD. "This system's major strengths include its programming flexibility, individualised therapy for multiple dysrhythmias and 40-joule output," says Michael Rousseau, Intermedics' vice-president of marketing. He adds that Intermedics is the only manufacturer to provide a sterile package which allows complete pre-implant testing, thereby reducing the need for additional equipment. Intermedics (part of Sulzermedica) joins Medtronic, Guidant and Ventritex in the US ICD market which is estimated at $518 million (see Clinica No 658, p 9).