Medtronic launches insertable cardiac monitor in Europe

Medtronic has this week announced the European launch of Reveal XT – the first available insertable cardiac monitor that offers patients continuous monitoring of atrial fibrillation over a long-term period.

The company claims that existing products on the market can only be used for a limited period of time or irregularly, while the introduction of the Reveal XT gives clinicians complete data to evaluate the progression of atrial fibrillation and the effectiveness of any treatments administered.

Patients with the Reveal XT insertable cardiac monitor installed can have their atrial fibrillation monitored continuously for up to three years, giving insight into patient heart rhythms over an extended period to facilitate the improved evaluation of stroke risk and therapy options.

Professor Kuck at Hanseatisches Herzzentrum, said: “Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia. It is often accompanied by symptoms that are very unpleasant for the patient.”

He added that the complication is related to an increased risk of stroke and increased mortality, with the Reveal XT provides new opportunities for monitoring the condition and making adjustments to treatment.

Last week, Medtronic announced that its clinical trial of the Endeavour drug-eluting coronary stent met its primary endpoint of non-inferiority when compared to the Taxus paclitaxel-eluting stent from Boston Scientific.