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When to Use the LifeVest System

The LifeVest was designed as an intermediate-term treatment option for people at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Right now, people at a high, short-term risk of SCA are typically monitored in a hospital intensive care (ICU) or coronary care unit (CCU). With monitored beds costing up to $2,000 a day, this option quickly becomes very expensive and is primarily reserved for critical care patients.

Patients with a high, long-term risk of SCA are often candidates for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), but this option is also expensive (up to $65,000) and requires surgery. According to Morgan Stanley, only one out of six US patients who need an ICD actually get one.*

The LifeVest fills the therapeutic gap between hospitalization and an ICD. The LifeVest has the same important characteristics of both an ICU/CCU and the ICD; it continuously monitors the heart and is designed to provide prompt defibrillation when needed. ZOLL Lifecor Corporation believes that the LifeVest has the potential to become the standard of care for intermediate-term patients. And, in cases when an ICD is not feasible, it also can serve as a longer-term alternative.

*Cardiac Rhythm Management Conference, September 21, 2001.
Duration of Treatment Treatment Option Use
Short Term Hospital Setting Protects patients at $3,000 per day in an ICU/CCU or $1,200 to $2,000 per day in a monitored bed.
Intermediate Term ZOLL Lifecor LifeVest wearable defibrillator (Automatic Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator) Designed to fill the gap between the hospital setting and the ICD.
Long Term ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) Used for long-term SCA risk. Charges for procedure may exceed $65,000 and surgery is required.
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