Medtronic launches remote monitoring system for heart failure

Medtronic has announced plans to launch a new patient management solution designed to make it easier for clinicians to monitor heart failure patients.

The medical technology firm's CareLink Network for Heart Failure will be introduced in autumn 2010 and allows professionals to remotely monitor the implantable cardiac device diagnostics of patients via a unified system.

Customisable CareAlert notifications are sent out when a patient is at risk of worsening symptoms, meaning that fewer clinic visits are necessary.

According to the manufacturer, this system helps to improve patient outcomes, makes it easier for sufferers to manage their conditions and delivers savings for healthcare systems by preventing hospitalisations.

Pat Mackin, president of the cardiac rhythm disease management business and senior vice-president at Medtronic, said: "Using timely device data can provide clinicians the information they need to identify at-risk patients and intervene before the onset of symptoms."

Last week, Medtronic launched its Resolute Integrity stent in the UK, providing clinics with a new option for treating coronary artery disease.