Wave of the Heart Wand

Newswise — The proportion of patients who experienced deteriorating symptoms of heart failure while using the experimental Chronicle implantable monitor was reduced by 33 percent, according to findings presented March 8 by UAB cardiologist Robert Bourge, M.D., at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting. The Chronicle is part of a patient management system developed by Medtronic. It allows doctors to capture real-time physiological data such as intracardiac pressure, temperature, physical activity and heart rate. The patient downloads data by waving a simple wand device over the chest where it is implanted. The wand contains a small computer, and, when connected through the patient's phone line, transmits information to the physician over a secure Internet link.