Wireless ICM Captures Vital Information

The world’s first smartphone-enabled, insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) provides powerful data to help monitor irregular heartbeats, unexplained syncope, palpitations and suspected atrial fibrillation (AF).

The Abbott Confirm Rx ICM is designed to continuously monitor a patient's heart rhythm and proactively transmit the information via the myMerlin mobile app, allowing physicians to follow their patients remotely and accurately diagnose arrhythmias. Intuitive one-touch indication-based programming and remote monitoring via the Merlin.net Patient Care Network make the technology convenient for clinicians involved in the procedure and follow up based on the secure transmission of patient data.

Available in over 35 languages, the myMerlin mobile app helps patients record their symptoms on their own smartphone and note events such as fainting, or an episode of tachycardia. Patients can also confirm their data was transmitted to their physician and get automatic alerts when they have missed a scheduled transmission, saving the clinic from having to follow up with the patient. The Confirm Rx ICM is expected to undergo a full European release during the second quarter of 2017.

“Incorporating wireless technology directly into our devices enhances the quality of remote monitoring and patient compliance,” said Mark Carlson, MD, chief medical officer of Abbott's cardiac arrhythmias and neuromodulation businesses. “The Confirm Rx ICM addresses a broad range of indications, such as syncope, palpitations and atrial fibrillation. The technology has been designed with robust data privacy and security measures to ensure peace of mind for both patients and providers.”

“The Confirm Rx ICM device will be an important tool for diagnosing patients with suspected arrhythmias, such as those who have experienced fainting or palpitations," said Georg Nölker, MD, head of electrophysiology at Ruhr-University of Bad Oeynhausen (Germany). “The simple insertion procedure and small device size make this technology convenient for both patients and providers. Patients can record symptoms directly on their smartphone without the need for a bedside transmitter or separate activator.”