Filter News

Nevada Heart and Vascular Center Release: Unique Internet-Based System Enables Las Vegas-Area Heart Patients To Be Evaluated From Home, On Vacation

Published: Jun 06, 2005

LAS VEGAS, June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in the Las Vegas area, physicians are using the Internet to evaluate patients with implantable cardiac devices, without requiring the patients to leave home. Nevada Heart and Vascular Center is providing a unique service to heart patients throughout the area, allowing its clinicians to view data about their patients' implantable device on an Internet Web site while the patients are at home or traveling.

The innovative technology, the Medtronic CareLink(R) Network, is currently used by more than 30,000 Americans who have a Medtronic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to treat a potentially lethal heart rhythm or a cardiac resynchronization therapy ICD system to treat heart failure. Approximately 65 Las Vegas-area heart patients are currently eligible to use the system.

"The Medtronic CareLink Network will enhance our follow-up with patients and provide them with a new level of convenience in managing their heart condition," said Robert N. Berkley, M.D., F.A.C.C., Nevada Heart and Vascular Center. "I am excited to be at the forefront of offering such an innovative technology to enhance both patient care and clinic operations."

The Medtronic CareLink Network is comprised of a patient monitor, a Web site for clinicians, and a Web site for patients and their loved ones. The monitor is a small, easy-to-use device that allows patients to collect information by holding a small computer mouse-like "antenna" over their implanted device. The monitor automatically downloads data about the patient's heart rhythm and device, and sends it through a standard phone line directly to a secure server. Clinicians then review their patients' data by logging onto the physician Web site from any Internet-connected computer or laptop and can make immediate decisions about the patients' care needs. Patients and their loved ones have the option to view information about their devices and conditions on their own personalized Web site.

One of the first people in the area to use the new service is Dinora DeMeo, a 56-year-old special education teacher's assistant from Las Vegas. She received a Medtronic InSync II Marquis ICD in 2004, after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disorder of the heart muscle that often causes inadequate heart pumping or other heart function abnormalities. To treat this condition, she received the device to continually monitor her heart and deliver appropriate therapy when an abnormal heart rhythm is detected.

"The CareLink Network gives me the freedom to go about my daily activities without time-consuming travel to visit my physician's office for device monitoring," said DeMeo. "With CareLink, I don't have to take unnecessary time off from work. I'm always available for my students."

For details about the Medtronic CareLink Network at Nevada Heart and Vascular Center patients and caregivers should call 702-240-6482. Additional information can be found online at http://www.medtronic.com/carelink.

Note: The experiences of this physician and patient are specific to these individuals, and results may vary. Individuals should consult with their physician to determine if they are a candidate for this device. As with any active implantable device, there are potential risks associated with the system.

Nevada Heart and Vascular Center; Medtronic CareLink(R) Network

CONTACT: C.J. Martinez, +1-310-584-8322, or cj.martinez@ketchum.com , orChinnette Bass, +1-404-452-0655, or chinnette.bass@ketchum.com , both ofKetchum, for Nevada Heart and Vascular Center and MedtronicCareLink(R)Network

Back to news