In June 2025, Dr. Robert Whitehill, a Pediatric Cardiologist at the Heart Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, successfully implant a novel extravascular defibrillator (EV-ICD) in Kyndall Lesieur, an 8-year-old patient with dangerously fast heart rhythms—a condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
Unlike traditional defibrillators, this new device is implanted below the left armpit and the lead is placed under the sternum rather than inside the heart or blood vessels, offering a less invasive option with the potential to reduce long-term complications for young patients.
“It was amazing to hear that my daughter wouldn’t have to undergo heart surgery. The EV-ICD procedure was done in about 2 hours, and I am grateful for the Heart team who cared for Kyndall,” said her mother, Kyra Lesieur. “The procedure was successful, and Kyndall is doing so well.”
Dr. Whitehill’s primary clinical focus is heart rhythm disorders with invasive electrophysiology studies and device implantation. He is the Medical Director of the Electrophysiology Program and Medical Director for Project S.A.V.E.
Project S.A.V.E. — which stands for Sudden cardiac arrest, Awareness, Vision for prevention, Education — was launched by Children’s in 2004 with the mission of preventing sudden cardiac arrest in children, teens and young adults in Georgia communities.
