Bronson Among the First Hospitals in Michigan to Implant New Extravascular Defibrillator for Patients with Abnormal Heart Rhythms
Early adoption underscores Bronson’s commitment to leading-edge cardiac care.
Photo Caption: Thomas Franzon, MD, celebrates with Bronson’s cardiovascular team after implanting the EV-ICD defibrillator at Bronson Methodist Hospital.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Physicians at Bronson Methodist Hospital are among the first in southwest Michigan to successfully implant a new type of defibrillator designed to treat dangerously fast heart rhythms that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
The Medtronic Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (EV-ICD) received FDA approval in 2023 and is one of the latest advancements in lifesaving heart technology.
The first EV-ICD procedure at Bronson Methodist Hospital was performed on October 30, 2025, by Thomas Franzon, MD, electrophysiologist at Bronson Advanced Cardiac Healthcare. Since then, the Bronson cardiac team has completed three additional EV-ICD implantations. The minimally invasive procedure marks an important milestone in expanding advanced cardiac treatment options for patients in the region.
The EV-ICD is the first defibrillator of its kind to place the lead under the breastbone, outside the heart and veins. This design allows the device to deliver both defibrillation and anti-tachycardia pacing using a single implanted system that is similar in size and shape to traditional defibrillators.
“Having this technology available at Bronson means patients in our region don’t need to travel far to receive cutting-edge care,” Franzon said. “We’re proud to offer treatments that enhance safety, improve outcomes and support the health of our community.”
Sudden cardiac arrest is a major public health concern. Nearly 500,000 people in the U.S. die each year, and more than 1,000 people experience cardiac arrest every day.
Photo Caption: Graphic showing how the EV-ICD system is implanted below the left armpit, with the lead positioned under the breastbone.
The EV-ICD system is implanted below the left armpit, with its companion lead positioned under the breastbone. By keeping the lead outside the heart and veins, the device is designed to reduce long-term complications sometimes associated with traditional transvenous leads, including vein narrowing, blockage and bloodstream infections.
To learn more about Bronson’s heart and vascular program and its innovative treatments, visit bronsonhealth.com/heart.
