Abbott has released a firmware update for some of its high-voltage implantable cardiac devices to enhance cybersecurity and improve battery performance.

The upgrade is part of the medical device company’s planned series of updates and covers devices that were recalled in 2016.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Firmware is a form of software embedded in medical devices and is now available for Abbott’s implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds), which are designed to provide pacing and/or electrical shock when necessary.

The software was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 11 April.

“The upgrade is part of the medical device company’s planned series of updates and covers devices that were recalled in 2016.”

It offers a device-based battery performance alert to allow monitoring and management of the battery. In case of ‘abnormal battery behaviour’, the firmware sends notifications to the patient.

The cybersecurity update included in the software is set to provide an additional layer of protection against unauthorised device access, preventing unapproved/illegal changes to the device settings.

However, the company said that it did not receive any reports of unauthorised access and detected no new vulnerabilities to its implanted devices.

Abbott Medical Devices executive vice-president Robert Ford said: “Technology and its security are always evolving, and this firmware upgrade is part of our commitment to ensuring our products include the latest advancements and protections for patients.”

The ICD and CRT-D device ranges eligible for the new upgrade include Fortify, Fortify Assura, Unify, Quadra Assura, Unify Quadra, Quadra Assura MP and Unify Assura.

In addition, the cybersecurity update is available for the Promote Quadra and Ellipse families.

Abbott noted that it is working with regulatory authorities to roll out the upgrades over the coming several weeks.