The ACC and HeartHero have formed an alliance around HeartHero's innovative portable automated external defibrillator (AED) technology, which has the potential to make a significant impact on survival rates after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

HeartHero won the Innovation Challenge at ACC's Annual Scientific Session in New Orleans last year for its miniaturized, portable and user-friendly AED.

"The ACC is committed to advancing technology and promoting innovation in the cardiovascular field," said Richard Kovacs, MD, FACC, ACC president.

"Through this new AED technology, HeartHero and ACC are providing a lifeline to people in areas without readily available AEDs, helping to reduce disparities in care from lack of AEDs and setting the stage for dramatically improved outcomes after SCA."

While the ACC is involved in other innovation relationships, this is the College's first and only vested relationship with a device company.

The device is not currently for sale and has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read more.