InsideSurgery Medical Information Blog » Devices and Technology http://insidesurgery.com Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:25:46 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 New Continuous Monitoring Device for Atrial Fibrillation Available in Europe http://insidesurgery.com/2007/07/new-continuous-monitoring-device-for-atrial-fibrillation-available-in-europe/ http://insidesurgery.com/2007/07/new-continuous-monitoring-device-for-atrial-fibrillation-available-in-europe/#comments Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:05:10 +0000 Editor http://wp.onegoodcookie.com/?p=402
A new insertable heart monitor is now available in Europe for continous monitoring of atrial fibrillation. The device, manufactured by Medtronic and called the Reveal XT, was approved by ]]>
A new insertable heart monitor is now available in Europe for continous monitoring of atrial fibrillation. The device, manufactured by Medtronic and called the Reveal XT, was approved by

European authorities after receiving CE Mark. The first device, which has no external wires or parts, was implanted by Dr. Karl-Heinz Kuck of the Asklepios Klinik St. Georg in Hamburg, Germany.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac dysrrhythmia and is marked by erractic and abnormal contraction of the atrial (top) chambers of the heart. Its clinical trademark is an “irregularly irregular” heartbeat.

Although often asymptomatic, atrial fibrillation can lead to more serious arrythmias, a greatly increased risk of stroke, and heart failure.

The device is not yet available in the United States


Copyright 2007 InsideSurgery.com

]]> http://insidesurgery.com/2007/07/new-continuous-monitoring-device-for-atrial-fibrillation-available-in-europe/feed/ 0 New Monitoring System Allows Heart Checkups Over the Internet in Europe http://insidesurgery.com/2007/06/new-monitoring-system-allows-heart-checkups-over-the-internet-in-europe/ http://insidesurgery.com/2007/06/new-monitoring-system-allows-heart-checkups-over-the-internet-in-europe/#comments Wed, 27 Jun 2007 01:23:40 +0000 Editor http://wp.onegoodcookie.com/?p=389
Medtronic, Inc. announced the launch of the Medtronic CareLink Network for European patients at the EUROPACE meeting in Lisbon this week. This new system allows patients to transmit data electronically from their implantable cardioverter-defibrillators over the Internet to their physicians.

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Medtronic, Inc. announced the launch of the Medtronic CareLink Network for European patients at the EUROPACE meeting in Lisbon this week. This new system allows patients to transmit data electronically from their implantable cardioverter-defibrillators over the Internet to their physicians.


The system works by patients holding a small antenna over their chest wall where the device is positioned. Data is transmitted to the nearby CareLink Monitor and then through a telephone line to a central data center in Europe. Clinicians then can access their patients’ secure files by logging into a designated website to review the information. Previously, patients had to report to their physician’s office two to four times a year.

The CareLink Monitor system is available in the United States and is currently used by approximately 130,000 patients to monitor their cardiac and device status.


Copyright 2007 InsideSurgery.com

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