Tift Regional Medical Center announced Thursday that it is one of the first hospitals in Georgia to implant the Medtronic Reveal LINQ Insertable Cardiac Monitor System in a patient, the smallest implantable cardiac monitoring device available.

The LINQ cardiac monitor is approximately one-third the size of a AAA battery, making it more than 80 percent smaller than other insertable cardiac monitors. While significantly smaller, the device is part of a powerful system that allows physicians to continuously and wirelessly monitor a patient’s heart for up to three years.

“This cutting edge device is considerably improved from the previous model in its size and ease of insertion. This should help for more widespread use in our field of cardiology,” said Dr. Paul Murray, FACC and Interventional Cardiologist on staff at Tift Regional Health System.   

In addition to its continuous and wireless monitoring capabilities, the system provides remote monitoring through the Carelink Network. Through this network, physicians can request notifications to alert them if their patients have had cardiac events. The LINQ cardiac monitor is suitable for patients who experience symptoms such as dizziness, palpitation, fainting and chest pain that may suggest a cardiac arrhythmia, and for patients at increased risk for cardiac arrhythmias.  

“My understanding is that Tift Regional Health System is the third medical center in the state of Georgia to begin using the newest generation of insertable cardiac monitors. This speaks to our system-wide desire to provide the best care available for our patients,” said Dr. William Hancock, FACC and current Chief of Staff.        

Placed just beneath the skin through a small incision of less than 1 cm in the upper left side of the chest, the LINQ cardiac monitor is often nearly invisible to the naked eye once inserted. The device is placed using a minimally invasive insertion procedure, which simplifies the experience for both physicians and their patients. Most patients do not have to undergo sedation for this procedure. The LINQ cardiac monitor also allows patients to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if needed.  

The LINQ cardiac monitor also includes a simplified remote monitoring system with cellular technology that transmits patients’ cardiac device diagnostic data to their clinicians from nearly any location in the world. As of April 10, cardiologists at the TRMC Heart and Vascular Center have already placed these devices in seven patients, all of who have had a positive experience.

Dr. Jonathan Trono-lone, FACC and Interventional Cardiologist on staff at Tift Regional Health System explains, “As we embrace this new technology, it allows us to provide our patients with the best possible care. We look forward to the results patients will receive using this new device.”

For more information about Tift Regional Health System or the Heart and Vascular Center, visit www.tiftregional.com or call 229-382-7120.