June 25, 2008 - Medtronic reported that all Vision 3D implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillators (CRT-Ds) are now compatible with the Medtronic CareLink Network.
The Medtronic CareLink Network is designed to allow physicians to perform a complete analysis of all the device- and patient-specific cardiac data stored within Medtronic implantable cardiac devices. With this announcement, all current models of Medtronic ICDs, CRT-Ds and pacemakers are compatible with the Medtronic CareLink Network, which has registered more than 1 million patient data transmissions since its inception.
The Medtronic CareLink Network helps physicians and patients better manage chronic cardiovascular disease treated by implantable device therapy. It is said to enable the transmission of patient and implanted device data using a portable monitor. Within minutes, the patient’s physician and nurses can view the data on a secure Internet Web site.
For heart failure patients with Medtronic devices equipped with Conexus Wireless Telemetry – all Vision 3D ICDs and CRT-Ds, as well as Concerto CRT-Ds or Virtuoso ICDs – a Medtronic CareAlert Notification can be sent via the Medtronic CareLink Network to physicians wirelessly and automatically, providing timely insight into a patient’s changing disease condition and the potential for treatment decisions before the condition worsens.
The transmitted information, which is comparable to that provided during an in-clinic device follow-up visit, provides the physician with a view of how both the device and patient’s heart are operating.
The system provides an efficient, safe and convenient way for specialty physicians to remotely monitor the condition of their patients and, if needed, make adjustments to medication or prescribe additional therapy.
It also saves patients time by potentially eliminating some in-office visits.
For more information: www.medtronic.com