Gem II DR/VR and GEM III DR/VR/AT ICD Battery Discharge Behavior

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Medtronic manufactured and utilized a unique lithium/ silver vanadium oxide battery in the GEM II/III family of ICDs. This battery has a distinctive voltage discharge with two regions of constant voltage at 3.2 volts and 2.6 volts.

The battery discharge curve (see curve below) is characterized by a significant decrease in the battery voltage approaching middle of life (MOL), followed by a plateau (MOL to ERI) where the battery voltage remains around 2.6 volts. The transition to the plateau could be easily misinterpreted as the battery rapidly approaches ERI, which occurs at 2.55 volts, when the battery may in fact have several years remaining until ERI.

It is important to understand that this battery voltage decrease in the GEM II/III family of ICDs is a normal characteristic of the battery function in these devices and should not create a need for additional follow-up or monitoring.

As a general rule of thumb, the longevity from implant to MOL = MOL to ERI.

The design of the battery in subsequently released models has been modified to present a more linear battery discharge curve.

If you are concerned about early ERI in your patient’s device, you can utilize the battery trend measurements stored in the save-to-disk file, which can be accessed and interpreted through the Medtronic Technical Services at 1 (800) 723-4636.