iRhythm Technologies
(Nasdaq: IRTC)
announced today that launched its next-generation Zio monitor in the U.S.
In the launch, San Francisco-based iRhythm also included an enhanced Zio long-term continuous monitoring (LTCM) service.
Zio, the company’s smallest, lightest and thinnest cardiac monitor, aims to enhance the cardiac monitoring experience for patients. The company said its new service enhancements also benefit healthcare providers.
iRhythm says it began shipping already and expects widespread availability across the U.S. by early 2024.
The Zio LTCM service features the Zio patch ECG monitoring device and the Zeus (Zio ECG utilization software) system. Zeus, iRhythm’s advanced AI algorithm, supports the capture and analysis of ECG data recorded by Zio monitor. With the patch and software, the platform also offers a comprehensive end-of-wear report, reviewed by certified cardiographic technicians. According to a news release, that report has a 99% physician agreement.
“We’ve made our best product even better – early clinical and patient experience shows that Zio monitor has even better wear times, comfort and patient experience,” said Dr. Mintu Turakhia, chief medical officer, chief scientific officer and EVP, product innovation at iRhythm. “When you combine our new Zio monitor with our advanced AI, efficient workflow, patient and clinician apps, and easy-to-read and actionable clinical reports, we continue to lead the way in the field.”
More about the new, enhanced iRhythm Zio platform
iRhythm designed Zio to improve diagnostic yield and provider efficiency through an enhanced patient experience. It enables long-term, continuous wear for up to 14 days, building on the performance of the previous-generation Zio XT. The company reported significant upticks in demand for Zio XT and other Zio offerings in its most recent quarterly earnings. However, some trouble around its Zio AT monitor led to a recent FDA warning letter and DOJ subpoena.
According to the company, its latest Zio offering has an improved form factor for a better patient wear experience. It registers 23% thinner, 62% lighter and 72% smaller than the previous device. The patch weighs less than a pencil, the company says. It also demonstrates 99% patient compliance with prescribed wear times, highlighting its effectiveness in that regard. That helps healthcare providers make the right diagnosis the first time.
The patch is also breathable with a hydrocolloid adhesive and waterproof housing. It requires no device or adhesive manipulation or battery change during the entire wear and monitoring period of up to 14 days.
iRhythm also plans to release the redesigned MyZio patient app with a new user interface and other enhancements. New features include easier symptom logging, educational videos and content and a redesigned help center to better address patient questions.
The company says its new monitor and LTCM service offer an elevated end-to-end experience for both patients and clinics. The FDA-cleared AI algorithms have been clinically proven to be as accurate as expert cardiologists. A study of nearly 300,00 patients saw Zio associated with the highest diagnostic yield, lowest likelihood of retesting and the lowest likelihood of acute care hospitalization compared to all other monitoring services, including other long-term continuous monitors in the study.