Medtronic Gets FDA OK on Heart Devices

Medtronic of Minneapolis, MN announced that the FDA approved two types of implantable heart devices, which can be programmed and checked using wireless technology that can also be used to alert a doctor if a serious condition occurs. According to the Associated Press, the medical device company plans to launch the devices in June. The agency approved the Concerto and Virtuoso lines of implantable heart devices. Both devices deliver a shock to the heart to correct an abnormal rhythm when detected. However, the Concerto devices can also send small electrical impulses to resynchronize the beating of the heart’s lower chambers to help pump blood more efficiently. The devices are the first to use Medtronic’s Conexus wireless technology that allows a doctor to program the device’s therapy and check on its condition without using probes or sensors. Conexus also sends signals to a patient’s home monitoring system, called the CareAlert, which notifies the doctor of any problems with the device or the patient.