The Reveal LINQ™ Insertable Cardiac Monitoring System provides long-term heart monitoring
08 February 2019
Dr Jeremy Butts, Consultant Cardiologist introduces to Spire Elland Hospital a new cardiac monitoring system.
Accurate information is the key to better healthcare. Advanced technology has allowed the development of a very small implantable device which is easily placed under the skin. The device then allows us to continuously monitor your heart rhythm for up to three years. Close monitoring offers the ability to diagnose people who have abnormal heart rhythm problems, which present intermittently and can otherwise be difficult to detect.
Changes in heart rhythm can sometimes lead to unexplained falls, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, seizures and - on occasion - strokes. There are therefore a wide range of patients that can benefit from this type of investigation. It is not uncommon for people with these symptoms to present to various health care professionals and their initial investigations are normal. This is because the problems they encounter come and go and may not be present at the time of the initial clinical assessments.
To implant the device, the consultant will make a very small incision superficially in the skin on your chest (less than 1cm). The implant device is then injected, rather than requiring a larger operation. The procedure takes around 10 minutes in an outpatient clinic setting and does not require an inpatient admission. The dressings can normally be removed by the patient after a week and stitches are not usually required. The device is discreet and not visible in most patients.
Once implanted, information can be downloaded remotely. If there is a clinical event such as a fall or palpitations, we would be able to download this information from the device. This would then enable us to find out exactly what changes in your heart rhythm occurred at the time of the problem, even if you were out and about.
It is relatively easy to remove the device and is again minimally invasive.
The Reveal LINQ™ monitoring system is offered to self-pay and insured patients, as a three year package.
For more information, you can also visit Dr Butt's website.