14 DAY TRIAL // Heart rhythm disorders and especially atrial fibrillation are two very serious problems for people around the world, which, unchecked or untreated in due time, might even lead to a person's death. This is the reason why the Medtronic company has just announced the European release of the Reveal XT, the world's first ever insertable cardiac that provides long-term and continuous monitoring of the patient's heart.
It's quite a well-known fact (among cardiologists, anyway) that atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, experienced by 4.5 million patients in Europe, which can lead to a two to seven times higher risk of stroke, an increased risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death due to inefficient pumping in the heart. Moreover, the treatment of this disorder is relatively difficult, as episodes often show no symptoms and therefore go unnoticed by patients.
However, things can be quite different with some help from the device developed by Medtronic. This very small sensor is inserted just under the skin, which means that the patient experiences no restrictions in daily activities. This is not only more comfortable for the patient, but also ensures that cardiac data recorded is not influenced by restrictions in activities, a very important element for the medical staff.
"Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia. It is often accompanied by symptoms that are very unpleasant for the patient," said Prof. Kuck, Hanseatisches Herzzentrum / Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg. "Moreover, atrial fibrillation is linked with increased mortality and an increase in the incidence of stroke, by a factor of two- to seven-fold. However, with the new Reveal XT, atrial fibrillation can now be scrutinized over a period of three years with a subcutaneous monitor. This gives us totally new possibilities for monitoring and adjusting the treatment."
The company's statement doesn't provide any relevant pricing information for the Reveal XT, but this is actually not that important, since it's not like these things will be available at the local shop. However, they will most certainly prove to be quite popular, as these things truly are "lifesavers".
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