EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT STRATEGY USING MEDTRONIC IMPLANTABLE HEART MONITOR REDUCES FAINTING

The use of an integrated diagnosis and treatment strategy for certain patients who experience episodes of suspected neurally mediated syncope (fainting) leads to a major reduction in the recurrence of syncope, according to a study presented today in a Hot Line session at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2005 in Stockholm, Sweden. Investigators in the International Study on Syncope of Uncertain Etiology 2 (ISSUE2) trial used a new risk stratification and treatment strategy to identify which patients with neurally mediated syncope can benefit most from an implantable device and experience a reduction in fainting episodes. The strategy includes a simple initial evaluation, early use of the Medtronic Reveal Plus insertable loop recorder (ILR), assessment of the exact mechanism of syncope and prescription of a mechanism-based therapy.

Yahoo News (http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050905/55027.html?.v=1)