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
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