Boston Scientific is proud to support the mission of Heartbeat International, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) devices and medical care at no charge to needy patients in countries outside the United States. Through its donations of CRM devices, including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, Boston Scientific is helping to change the lives of those suffering from arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest, and heart failure that would otherwise not receive needed therapy.

"We are very pleased to be able to donate life-saving and life-enhancing medical devices through Heartbeat International," said Fred Colen, President, Boston Scientific Cardiac Rhythm Management. "We are proud to support the humanitarian efforts of this organization and help advance their mission to serve those in need."

Pacemakers as Peacemakers

Heartbeat International, founded in 1984, operates 41 approved distribution centers known as "Pacemaker Banks" in 22 countries. Volunteer physicians provide implantation procedures and follow-up care at local hospitals at no charge. The organization further provides physicians with state-of-the-art training with rapidly evolving pacemaker and defibrillator technology, and clinical indications. Heartbeat International also works closely with regulatory bodies to confirm compliance with applicable laws and has partnered with Rotary International to verify that devices are implanted only in patients with medical need and severely limited economic resources.

"Each year more than one million people die or live a compromised life because they need but cannot afford an implantable device," said Wil Mick, President and Chief Operating Officer of Heartbeat International. "Thanks to donations from companies like Boston Scientific, we can help save or improve the lives of many who otherwise could not afford these advanced therapies."

In addition to donating devices, Boston Scientific provides device programmers, programmer software and implant accessories to Heartbeat International to support device implant and follow-up care.

Visit the Heartbeat International website for more information about the program.