Abbott has announced it has received CE mark in Europe for its Assert-IQ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM).
Physicians can insert the Assert-IQ ICM under the skin of the chest to monitor a person’s heart continuously and detect arrhythmias. After insertion, people can go about their daily lives while the ICM continuously monitors their heart.
Using Bluetooth technology, Abbott’s Assert-IQ ICM is designed to connect to a transmitter—usually the person’s own cell phone—where it checks heart rhythms every 20 seconds, transmitting findings in virtually real time to their clinic’s portal. Abbott claims that Assert-IQ offers the world’s longest battery life for a Bluetooth enabled ICM.
Assert-IQ has two battery life options, one at least three years of use and another with at least six years. The three-year option may be preferred for more traditional monitoring, such as diagnosing fainting or heart palpitations, or detections of abnormal heart rhythms, while the six-year option is designed for longer-term monitoring for those at risk of developing arrhythmias. Both options have advanced algorithms available to detect irregular heartbeats and provide clinically actionable data. Improved algorithms in Assert-IQ ICM reduce the data burden and increase the accuracy of the device, ultimately improving physician workflow and efficiency.
“As the prevalence of abnormal heart rhythms rise, physicians increasingly rely on ICM technology to diagnose various heart conditions,” said Leonard Ganz, divisional vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer of Abbott’s cardiac rhythm management business. “Introducing Assert-IQ in Europe will expand access to transformative benefits of long-term monitoring and more clinically relevant information, and allow care providers to make clinical decisions faster and with more precision.”
“Assert-IQ is the next generation of implantable cardiac monitors, providing physicians with actionable data and new patient insights,” said Paolo Della Bella, head of the arrhythmia department at IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute (Milan, Italy). “The real-time data, advanced algorithms and diagnostic accuracy empower physicians to deliver more personalised and effective care. For those with abnormal heart rhythms, Assert-IQ ICM provides peace of mind and the freedom to live their lives with confidence.”
