Linq monitoring device service celebrates 10-year anniversary

It’s been ten years since the Medtronic Linq device was launched and implanted for the first time for our patients here at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH).  Since then, the service has gone from strength to strength with approximately 1,500 implants completed for our patients by our small but highly skilled Physiologist team.

Linq is an implantable monitoring system that records ECG for patients that are at an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias or, have occasionally experienced symptoms that may suggest a cardiac arrhythmia is present.  The Linq implant itself, detects and records abnormal heartbeats with smart technology. 

The implant procedure provides greater convenience for patients by only taking around ten minutes from start to finish.  This takes place in a treatment room within our day unit, Holly Suite.  The implant provides a much welcome alternative to patients who would previously have needed a much bigger device implanted, more invasive procedure, by a medical professional in an operating theatre. 

Patients are provided with a home monitor and activator with their Medtronic Linq device, which can record a symptom as it is happening, and even record backwards for fifteen minutes.  This enables the patient to recover and re-orientate themselves if they’ve felt unwell before pressing the button to record.  The ECG can then be transmitted over to the Cardiac Diagnostics team at LHCH who review all episodes sent through by patients and actioned as appropriate.

Ten years on and the latest device that is available for suitable patients now, Linq II by Medtronic, has been enhanced with the latest technology.  This includes improved battery life and AI capabilities to adapt its programming depending on the recordings made.

Sue Hughes, Lead Device Physiologist said:

“We are delighted to be marking ten years since this Physiologist led service was launched.  It’s a fantastic service facilitating the heart monitoring our patients require with a minimum of fuss.  Over the years it has made a huge difference to many patients, and it’s helped us diagnose and subsequently treat patients at LHCH too.” 

The Physiologist team, in partnership with Medtronic, have hosted training days to share expertise and learning from this service.  These have been well attended by colleagues from hospitals across the region.  The Assistant Physiology team support the service and play a key role explaining the use of the home monitor and activator, discussing the follow-up service provided and reviewing all episodes sent through by patients.

Notes

Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia) are when your heart beats too quickly or slows or your heartbeat is not steady.