Medtronic Linq II insertable cardiac monitor [Image courtesy of Medtronic]
Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) announced today that its Linq II insertable cardiac monitor has received FDA clearance in the U.S., as well as a CE Mark in the EU.
The Linq II boasts remote programming. That means a person with the Linq II implanted inside of them doesn’t need to return to the doctor’s office or hospital to get the device’s settings changed. About a third of the size of a AAA battery, the Linq II also has improved device longevity — 4.5 years — with accuracy enhancements for better detection of abnormal heart rhythms.
“In the current COVID-19 environment, the Linq II system offers patients a seamless way to experience ongoing connectivity between their device and their physician, while reducing the need for in-office visits,” said Dr. Rob Kowal, chief medical officer of the Medtronic’s Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure division.
“Linq II gives physicians actionable data to help diagnose underlying heart conditions and define treatment protocols for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or other abnormal heart rhythms,” Kowal said in a news release.
Medtronic plans to start selling the LinqII in the U.S. and EU later this summer.