Biotronik’s insertable cardiac monitor available in UK

Biotronik’s insertable cardiac monitor, the BioMonitor 2 is now available for patients in the UK

The cardiac monitoring device is indicated for patients suffering from unexplained syncope and to detect atrial fibrillation (AF).

Diagnosing the irregular heartbeat condition AF is difficult, as is finding the root cause of syncope—a condition where the patient passes out due to decreased blood flow to the brain.

BioMonitor 2 can be inserted under the skin of the patient in a simple procedure and then it then records all cardiac electrical events, according to Biotronik.

Data from the device is transmitted directly to the physician via Biotronik Home Monitoring, where they are given an accurate map of their patient’s heart activity on a computer screen.

Riyaz Kaba from Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, Surrey, and St George’s Hospital, London, said: “AF is often so sporadic and unpredictable that it is sometimes impossible to diagnose at the time the patient has symptoms.

“It is similar with syncope. The patient can hardly choose to faint when they are hooked up to an ECG just so we can find out what’s causing it.

“But, because BioMonitor 2 is always on and always recording, we can see exactly what’s going on with their cardiac rhythm in these precise moments.

“It’s really unprecedented and the accuracy of the readings has exceeded our expectations. We get a clear picture very early on, meaning necessary treatment can begin earlier.”

BioMonitor 2 also has Biotronik ProMRI technology and is approved for full-body MRI scans at both the usual 1.5 and ultra-high 3.0 tesla strength. Its average battery life is four years.