Medtronic
 
 

Medtronic
CareLink® Network

Experience with the Medtronic CareLink Network

The Medtronic CareLink® Network, the leading remote monitoring service for cardiac device patients, was evaluated by clinicians at 10 investigational sites in 9 states, with 62 Medtronic ICD patients enrolled in the study.

The study's objectives were to obtain patient and clinician feedback on ease of use and satisfaction with the Medtronic CareLink Network. In addition, the study assessed the Network's clinical utility for Internet-based patient management beyond clinic walls and compared Medtronic CareLink transmission data to in-office interrogations.

Following 59 first interrogations and transmissions1, and 58 second interrogations and transmissions, patients and clinicians completed questionnaires that yielded these results:

96.5% of clinician responses indicated that patient data from remote interrogation provides care comparable to an in-office, interrogation-only visit
96.5% of clinician responses indicated that clinicians were very or somewhat satisfied with the website
98.1%2 of patient responses indicated the Medtronic CareLink Monitor was very or somewhat easy to use
90.9%3 of patient transmissions were completed without technical assistance in operating the monitor4

An additional potential benefit of the Medtronic CareLink Network was discovered with the capture of a previously undiagnosed arrhythmia in one patient5. Data gathered during each interrogation from a 10-second electrogram, along with full episode reporting, led to the observation of a number of device-related issues.

Summary of Experience

  • Remote interrogation data transmitted from the Medtronic CareLink Monitor allows clinicians to provide patient care comparable to in-office, interrogation-only visits.
  • Cardiac device patients are able to use the Medtronic CareLink Monitor effectively to initiate interrogation and transmission.
  • Remote interrogation offers potential for capturing previously undiagnosed arrhythmias and other device-related issues.

For a complete copy of the Medtronic Carelink Network field evaluation, contact your Medtronic representative.

References:
  1. One patient did not complete the second transmission until after study closure.
  2. Includes only patients who completed both protocol-compliant transmissions and accompanying questionnaires.
  3. Includes only patients who completed both protocol-compliant transmissions.
  4. Technical assistance consisted of: antenna positioning, patients requiring further training, those who didn't realize there is a preprogrammed phone number, and those who wanted instructions to send from work (dial"9").
  5. Data on file at Medtronic.

Additional Information