Medtronic LINQ

 

Your Linq is continuously monitoring your heart rhythm and is capable of automatically storing abnormal heart rhythms / rates into it’s memory. The criteria for abnormal heart rates / rhythms are programmed into the Linq. In the case of a patient feeling symptoms (eg fainting, palpitations, dizziness) they should use the Patient Assistant to manually store and highlight the previous 6.5 minutes into the LINQ's memory (see part two).

 

A home monitor (MyCarelink) allows much more frequent analysis of your Linq’s recordings. During the night the Linq automatically transmits any new heart rhythm recordings to the MyCarelink. The MyCarelink then sends the recordings to a secure website that is reviewed daily by a Cardiac Technologist.

 

It is very important to note that the MyCarelink home monitoring is not an emergency service. It will notify us of new recordings but is not a continuous 24 hour a day monitoring or alarm service.  In an emergency you must seek the appropriate medical care.

 

There are 3 parts to the monitoring system and their purpose is as follows:

 

Part one - LINQ: Small cardiac monitoring device implanted under the skin that continuously monitors the heart’s rhythm. All recordings are stored inside the Linq’s memory.

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Please note that medical staff may also refer to the Linq as Loop recorder, Reveal or Reveal Linq.

 

 

Part two - Patient Assistant: A handheld device that should be carried with the patient at all times.  It is used to record (mark) heart rhythm data in your LINQ. It is important that you use the Patient Assistant while, or just after experiencing a symptom/event. There are currently two versions of the Patient Assistant but they work the same way. They each have a button that must be pressed and then held close to the LINQ to store a recording. Note: This device may also be called an Activator.

 

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part three - MyCarelink: After pairing, the Linq will automatically send any new recordings from the Linq’s memory to the MyCarelink during the night. Therefore the MyCarelink should be within two metres of where the patient sleeps.

 

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FAQ’s

How does it work?

- The Linq monitors continuously and stores abnormal heart rhythms in it’s memory

- At night any new recordings in the Linq are automatically transmitted to the MyCarelink.  

- The MyCarelink sends the data to a secure website using the cellular network. The MyCarelink has a built in sim card that connects to the local phone tower.

- The website is reviewed daily by a Cardiac Technologist

- Any abnormalities are reported to your doctor

 

Do I leave the MyCarelink on all the time?

Yes, the monitor needs to be on all the time so that nightly checks of your device can be performed. During the day the MyCarelink may also perform software updates.

 

What happens if my home loses power?

When the power returns to your home the MyCarelink will turn itself back on.

 

What happens when I am away from home for an extended period?

We suggest taking the MyCarelink monitor with you if you plan to be away for more than one month. The Linq implanted under the skin is where all the recordings are stored.

 

Is the home monitoring covered by Medicare or health funds?

Currently there is no rebate for monitoring of Linq’s (or loop device's). Therefore there is an annual fee for monitoring your Linq.

For any  further information regarding your device or fees associated with the service please contact Nicholas Youngs on

0412 326 149.