Posted on Aug 30, 2014 in
MEDICAL FOCUS
Sohail Jalal, M.D.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is the first in Fort Bend County to use an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) that is smaller than a AAA battery on patients with an irregular heartbeat.
A board-certified electrophysiologist, Sohail Jalal, M.D., recently implanted the new Reveal LINQ™ monitor in a patient during a minimally invasive procedure at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. The implantable cardiac monitor is 80 percent smaller than other similar implantable devices or approximately one-third the size of a AAA battery. The device allows physicians to continuously and wirelessly monitor a patient’s heart for up to three years.
“The Reveal LINQ is a major step forward for patients who require ongoing monitoring due to cardiac arrhythmia, or what we call an irregular heartbeat,” said Dr. Jalal. “Because it is so small, it can be placed just beneath the skin through a tiny incision, and once in place, it is nearly invisible to the naked eye. The procedure is simple and easy for patients. Most importantly, patients with this device can undergo an MRI exam, which is not possible with conventional implantable monitors.”
Once in place, the Reveal LINQ ICM continuously monitors the heart so that physicians have a real time snapshot of the patient’s cardiac activity. In the event of a cardiac arrhythmia, the device alerts the physician via a wireless network so that early intervention is possible. The system’s remote monitoring capabilities can work almost anywhere in the world, sending data to a patient’s physician quickly and easily.
Remote monitoring of cardiac arrhythmia has been shown to improve patient quality of life, reduce hospital stays and improve survival rates. The implantable cardiac monitor can also lead to early detection of atrial fibrillation, the most common form of abnormal heart rhythm and a major risk factor for stroke. With early detection and treatment, a stroke can be prevented.
“Continuous, remote monitoring is the best way for patients who suffer from cardiac arrhythmia to protect themselves from future episodes that may be extremely serious,” Dr. Jalal said. “The data we collect via monitoring enables us to better understand how the heart is working and allows us to identify problems before they become life-threatening. Symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia include fatigue, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat or pounding, shortness of breath, chest pain and in extreme cases, sudden cardiac arrest.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jalal or another electrophysiologist in your area, call 281-274-7500. Learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital at houstonmethodist.org/sugarland or visit facebook.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and information.
