Milford Regional First in Massachusetts to Use Miniature Insertable Cardiac Monitor

Milford Regional Medical Center is the first hospital in Massachusetts to implant the smallest long-term, insertable cardiac monitoring (ICM) device available for patients with recurrent fainting, heart palpitations, unexplained stroke or atrial fibrillation. Cardiologist William Shine, MD, successfully completed two implants recently at the Medical Center.

Called The Reveal LINQ ICM from Medtronics, this miniature cardiac monitoring device is approximately one-third the size of a AAA battery (~1 cc), making it more than 80 percent smaller than other ICMs. While significantly smaller, the device is part of a powerful system that allows physicians to continuously and wirelessly monitor a patient’s heart for up to three years. Its remote monitoring capabilities notify physicians if patients have significant cardiac events between regular medical appointments. Plus, through its global cellular technology, the cardiac device diagnostic data can be transmitted to clinicians from nearly any location in the world.

“This new cardiac monitoring device is so discreet that most patients will not even know it is there and can go about their lives without interruption or discomfort from the device,” says Dr. Shine. “Additionally, the device has the ability to communicate wirelessly with the patient’s physician while the patient is sleeping, allowing them to continue living their lives normally, even when travelling away from home.”

Placed just beneath the skin through a small incision of less than 1 cm in the upper left side of the chest, the ICM is often nearly invisible to the naked eye once inserted. The device is placed using a minimally invasive insertion procedure, which simplifies the experience for both physicians and their patients. It also allows patients to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) if needed.

“Milford Regional is pleased to offer our patients the very latest advancement in cardiac diagnostics,” says Edward J. Kelly, president of Milford Regional. “As a community hospital, we have always been committed to providing our patients with the most up-to-date diagnostics available. Once again, I am proud to say that Milford Regional finds itself in the forefront of offering leading-edge technology to our community.”

Dr. William Shine holding the insertable miniature cardiac monitor.