Rx Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM), manufactured by Abbott, has received the European CE Mark
Orange County, CA - May 11th 2017 - The Confirm Rx Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM), manufactured by Abbott, has received the European CE Mark. Since obtaining certification, implementation of the device has ensued in 10 countries across Europe. Made in conjunction with St. Jude Medical, the Confirm Rx is Bluetooth controlled and connects back to the users’ mobile phone through a paired app. After setup, the device continuously monitors every heart beat while uploading all data to the app.
Previously, cardiac monitors used to detect heart arrhythmias and identify triggers have been large remote devices kept at a patient’s bedside. The slimmest ICM available, the Confirm RX is able to easily, effectively, and discretely perform the same kind of monitoring techniques in a more compact design. The myMerlin app on Android and IOS phones, works in tandem with the Confirm Rx, to take note of cardiac events and relay them in a timeline for physician assessment. The app is currently available in 35 languages.
While the device does record automatically, the user can record symptoms on command as they are experienced. The individual can then take these notes and send them directly to their attending specialist.
While the device does record automatically, the user can record symptoms on command as they are experienced. The individual can then take these notes and send them directly to their attending specialist.
Christopher Piorkowski, M.D., head of the Department of Electrophysiology at the University of Dresden Heart Center in Dresden, Germany, says, “It allows an objective way to quantify AF (atrial fibrillation) events to guide treatment decisions. The smartphone compatibility engages patients and allows better compliance to remote monitoring through a simple and intuitive user interface. This allows clinic staff to reduce follow-up burden and focus on reviewing transmitted data for AF.” However, the ICM does still have its limitations. According to the St. Jude Medical website, certain factors can still “hinder, delay or prevent acquisition and delivery of patient information.” These factors include: “patient environment, data services, mobile device operating system and settings, ICM memory capacity, clinic environment, schedule/configuration changes or data processing.” While there are impediments to work out, this invention marks a new wave of cardiac innovation.