A newly-approved USB cellular adaptor enables cardiac patients to transmit data to their doctors without using a landline phone connection.
St. Jude Medical has gained CE Mark approval for its USB cellular adaptor for the Merlin@home transmitter, a system that allows data from an implantable cardiac device to be wirelessly downloaded and transmitted for review by a clinician.
The new USB adaptor allows patients using the transmitter to transfer data over the cellular network as well as the landline, freeing up the monitoring process for cardiac implant wearers on the move.
“The USB cellular adaptor allows patients who frequently travel or relocate to be free of the restrictions of a traditional telephone line,” said Dr. Helen Høgh Petersen, of Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, Denmark. “This addition to the remote monitoring system helps to ensure that patients can stay connected with their device follow-up clinic wherever they may live or travel.”
The USB cellular adaptor is a small device that plugs into new and existing Merlin@home transmitters. The transmitter supports all radio-frequency St. Jude Medical implantable pacemakers and other cardiac devices.
Having connection through the cellular network will make a difference for many patients, even when they are at home. A 2008 survey found that 24% of European households had only mobile phone access.
“The USB Cellular Adapter expands the global reach of the Merlin.net PCN to new markets, particularly those markets that rely heavily on cellular technology,” said Eric S. Fain, M.D., president of the St. Jude Medical Cardiac Rhythm Management Division. “This technology provides a reliable, secure transmission option that allows both patients and clinicians to experience the value of connectivity.”
US company St. Jude Medical specialises in devices to treat cardiac disorders. Its UK operation is based in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Merlin@home transmitter