Patients implanted with cardiac resynchronization devices showed a greater rate of adherence to their medication regimens after their CRT devices were put it, according to a retrospective study Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) touted today.
The analysis examined data from 4,512 patients who received CRT devices between January 2008 and December 2014, evaluating adherence to recommended medications before and after CRT implantation. Compliance increased 67% 2 years after CRT implantation when compared to 2 years pre-implantation, Fridley, Minn.-based Medtronic said.
“These data support our commitment to understanding how we can continue to provide the best solutions for patients with heart failure. With some heart failure patients, CRT is a turning point in their treatment plan because – in addition to their being monitored more closely – the severity of their symptoms diminish. Technology may lead to greater medication compliance, helping heart failure patients better manage their conditions, while keeping them out of the hospital and, ultimately, reducing costs for the healthcare system,” heart failure GM Dr. David Steinhaus said in a press release.
Adherence to medication regiments “nearly doubled” at 12 months following implantation, Medtronic said, with the proportion of compliant patients for each individual medication class also rising at 12 months.
Last week, Medtronic launched its Reveal Linq cardiac monitor in Japan and said it plans to launch the device this month now that it has approval from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare.
The Reveal Linq device is designed to be implanted beneath the skin on the upper left side of the chest for monitoring patients experiencing dizziness, palpitation, fainting or syncope, chest pain and cardiac arrhythmias. Billed as the world’s smallest cardiac monitor, it’s about ⅓ the size of a triple-A battery and is designed to work for 3 years using the company’s CareLink network. Its approval in Japan covers its use for monitoring unexplained syncope and cryptogenic stroke, the company said.
