The FDA has approved two new products by Medtronic, Inc., the company is reporting today. Both products have capabilities to deliver remote wireless telemetry. The press release explains:
The Concerto cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) and Virtuoso implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) are the first implantable cardiac devices available with Medtronic’s proprietary Conexus™ Wireless Telemetry, developed using the Medical Implant Communications Service (MICS, 402-405 MHz). Using the MICS band enables reliable communication between the implanted device and clinician programmers and patient home monitoring units.
Conexus Telemetry will enhance efficiencies at device implant and during in-office follow-up visits. At implant, there is no need for the programmer head to enter the sterile implant field, and in-office visits may be simplified when they’re needed, as the physician can interrogate patients’ devices via wireless telemetry without the need for surface electrodes. As well, Conexus Telemetry will enable automatic, wireless data transmission from the patient’s device to a home monitor. Device data then will be transmitted to the clinician using the Medtronic CareLink® Network, the first Internet-based system to help physicians and patients better manage chronic cardiovascular disease treated by implantable device therapy. Communication between device and monitor will be initiated by physician-programmed device parameters or it can occur on pre-scheduled dates that are pre-programmed via the Medtronic CareLink Network. If the system detects notable changes in the patient’s condition or device status, a Medtronic CareAlert™ will be sent to the physician, providing the potential for treatment decisions before the condition worsens.
More details in the press release…
The video press release…
Company’s inaugural site for its Conexus™ Wireless Telemetry line is not operational yet, as it gives an error… (link)
UPDATE (5/17/06): Conexus™ Wireless Telemetry site is now operational.