Page 14

The Ramsay Way - 2015 03

NEWS J O H N F LY N N New injectable monitor: helping John Flynn cardiologists unlock the answers Cardiologists at John Flynn Private Hospital are leading the way in syncope management by implanting the world’s smallest cardiac monitor. The Medtronic Reveal LINQ implantable cardiac monitor is capable of wirelessly diagnosing potentially dangerous, irregular heart beats and is used to disarm the ‘ticking time bomb’ for those Australians who live unknowingly with chronic heart conditions. Without appropriate diagnosis and treatment, the effects of undetected or misdiagnosed heart rhythm disorders can be fatal, and occur without warning. The new injectable cardiac monitor is implanted to aid clinicians in detecting changes in a patient’s heart rhythm by continuously monitoring, recording and storing data in the device for up to three years. In addition, physicians can be notified quickly if patients need medical attention between regular appointments, an advantage for patients living in remote locations. Dr John Meulet, Cardiologist at John Flynn Private Hospital, has now helped over 30 patients using the LINQ device and said: “This new implantable loop recorder is a technological breakthrough. We have had similar devices in the past but they were 90% larger and required prolonged surgery to implant with variable monitoring accuracy. “The new device can be implanted via a painless injection in less than a minute and has excellent heart rhythm recording fidelity. The diagnosis of heart rhythm problems is now infinitely easier.” Of these patients where LINQ has been used, Dr Meulet has found a diagnosis for fainting or palpitations quickly. Six of these patients have gone on to have a pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator implanted, a life-saving device in each case. Placed just beneath the skin’s surface through a small incision of less than 1cm, the monitor (which is about one third of the size of a AAA battery) is nearly invisible to the naked eye in most patients. For the patients the benefits include: minimal ST GEORGE One-stop heart monitoring also at St George Private Miniature heart devices implanted under the skin of the chest in just 45 seconds are providing 24-hour monitoring for patients with potentially life-threatening heart conditions. 14 The Ramsay Way 2015 | 03 Cardiologist Dr John Meulet with the Medtronic monitor Waneroo Hospital in 1980 St George Private Electrophysiologist Dr Rahn Ilsar and Interventional Cardiologist Dr James Weaver with new Lilliputian cardiac technology scarring; minimal pain; fast recovery; short hospital stay (day surgery); high patient satisfaction. 40% of Australians will suffer a syncopal event in their lifetime and cardiac syncope carries a 6 month mortality rate of greater than 10%, and doubles the risk of death. This condition can be costly for the Australian health system, but with the LINQ cardiac monitor physicians like Dr Meulet are able to deliver the gold standard of care to these patients. ■ J O O N D A L U P H E A LT H C A M P U S Celebrating 35 years of service On 8 August 1980, five years after planning started, the quiet little hamlet of Wanneroo in WA welcomed a new 85-bed hospital. Approximately 500 locals and dignitaries attended the opening by the then Minister for Health & Planning, Ray Young. Just two weeks later, the first baby was born. Nestled among bushland and wildlife, the small hospital served its community well but had little resemblance to the major health campus it is today. Wanneroo-Joondalup has become one of the fastest growing areas in Australia and Joondalup Health Campus has grown with it. Joondalup Health Campus has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1980. It has grown into a first class facility with one of the busiest Emergency Departments in Australia. The hospital performs above the national benchmarks in a number of clinical areas and has exceptional staff who are dedicated to the cause. JHC is focussed on maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety, being an employer of choice and operating business in accordance with ‘The Ramsay Way’: People Caring for People. St George Private Electrophysiologist Dr Rahn Ilsar discusses the benefits of this “set-and-forget” continuous cardiac monitoring technology. What is an Injectable Loop Recorder (ILR)? ILRs are used in the diagnosis of patients suffering from syncope. Syncope (feeling faint, blacking out, unsteadiness, vision problems and headaches) affects six per cent of people over the age of 75 according to the Cleveland Clinic. This device, roughly half the size of an adult’s index finger, monitors the heart’s rhythm and then wirelessly transmits the data back to the treating physician. Essentially, this means patients have 24-hour “eyes and ears” on their heart, transmitting any issues or episodes to their doctor once a day via wifi connection. What are the patient benefits? Instead of the patient wearing a Holter which must come off in the shower or pool and only provides monitoring for short periods of time (a few days or weeks); this device provides 24-hour-surveillance for three years or until a diagnosis is made. In the past, these patients could typically visit their cardiologist every three to six months. This way, the patient’s diagnosis can be found very rapidly, regardless of where they are or what they are doing. Are there any side effects, how easy is it to use, how big is the scar and does it have other applications? There are no known serious side effects; the scar is about 8mm and the procedure is done under local anaesthetic in day surgery. This device is automatic so there is excellent patient compliance! The insertable implantable device is also MRI compatible which is good news for people who may need a hip MRI down track. Is it covered by Medicare? Currently this device is Medicare approved for investigation of syncope in patients who have been deemed appropriate. In addition, it is TGA approved for use in helping to diagnose cryptogenic strokes (a stroke with no cause) and palpitations. However, at present, this use is not covered by Medicare and may incur a direct patient cost of $3,900. ■


The Ramsay Way - 2015 03
To see the actual publication please follow the link above