News

Helping cardiologists unlock the answer for patients

Feb 23, 2017

In line with their commitment to a comprehensive cardiology service including syncope management, Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital now offer CareLink - a remote monitoring system helping to improve patient outcomes and clinic efficiency. CareLink is designed to continuously monitor securely transferred data recorded by an implantable cardiac monitor – known as Reveal LINQ.

Without appropriate diagnosis and treatment, the effects of undetected or misdiagnosed heart rhythm disorders can be fatal and occur without warning.

Cardiologists Dr Naresh Dayananda and Dr KK Lim are implanting these devices in syncope patients to help them make a diagnosis quickly. The device continuously monitors records and stores data for up to three years.

The overall goal is for the electrophysiologist to be able to see a syncope patient in their rooms and if they are appropriate for a LINQ implant they can call the Cath Lab at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and book their patient in for a LINQ on the same day. This ‘LINQ Fast Track’ facility, as well as the remote monitoring technology used to constantly monitor the patients will ultimately help improve the patient outcomes.

On a daily basis, a patient’s device is wirelessly interrogated. Device data and a rhythm electrogram are captured by the monitor and available for access and review on a clinician website. Doctors can be notified when a patient experiences a significant cardiac event such as a slow or fast heart rate or a pause.

For patients this means they are able to stay connected to their doctor even when at home or travelling as the monitor is able to transmit data in most countries. Patients have reported that remote monitoring saves time and exertion because it reduces travel and means fewer visits to the doctor. They also report a sense of heightened security.

The Heart Rhythm Society of Australia has recently published their updated consensus of remote monitoring, which concluded that remote monitoring is a new standard of care in monitoring implanted devices.