Medtronic's Insertable Heart Monitor and Pulsed Field Ablation Offer New Hope for AFib Patients in Texas

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) affects more than 10 million U.S. adults, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and can lead to serious complications such as blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. For Todd Repass Jr., a Texas resident, the journey from diagnosis to effective management illustrates how advanced medical technologies from Medtronic are transforming care for AFib patients and potentially reducing the burden on the state's healthcare system.

In 2018, then-52-year-old Todd stood up after a meal and immediately felt weak, short of breath, and dizzy. The eventual diagnosis of AFib—an irregular heart rhythm—marked the beginning of a nearly seven-year health journey. "You just have no clue what’s happening to you," Todd recalls. "So, you’re confused, you’re scared." Over the years, he tried medication, cardioversion, and lifestyle changes, but his AFib remained unpredictable, with episodes lasting weeks or months and disrupting everyday activities, even short walks with his four golden retrievers.

Throughout this period, Todd's wife provided constant support, and his son, an employee of Medtronic, offered guidance. "He was a reassuring best friend all the way through it," Todd says. "He helped me better understand the technologies that were available and pointed me toward information I could research and discuss with my doctors." Despite using external Holter monitors and in-office EKGs, Todd's care team struggled to capture his elusive episodes. "The AFib diagnosis is not necessarily the hardest part," Todd notes. "It’s the day-to-day uncertainty that comes with not knowing how to track what’s happening."

After discussing options with his cardiologist, Todd received the Medtronic LINQ II insertable cardiac monitor (ICM), a small device about one-third the size of an AAA battery placed just under the skin. The outpatient procedure took only a few minutes. He then downloaded the MyCareLink Heart mobile app, which allowed him to record symptoms on his cell phone when he felt dizzy, weak, or out of rhythm. "The app was easy to use and gave me peace of mind knowing I had a way to capture what I was feeling when it happened," Todd says. For the first time, he no longer had to hope an episode would occur during a scheduled test.

For several months, the ICM recorded episodes of AFib and other abnormal heart rates, providing Todd's care team with additional diagnostic information. Doctors then recommended pulsed field ablation (PFA) using the Medtronic Affera mapping and ablation system and the Sphere-9 catheter. The all-in-one dual-energy catheter uses both short electrical pulses and radiofrequency energy to target heart tissue responsible for abnormal electrical signals. More than a year after his ablation procedure, Todd is AFib-free, and his LINQ II ICM continues to monitor his heart rhythm.

Today, Todd enjoys life with his family, exercises, and spends far less time worrying about his AFib. He credits the strength of his family with helping him navigate the years of uncertainty. "Getting the LINQ II ICM and the ablation with the Affera system were the best health decisions I’ve ever made in my life," Todd says. This story underscores the importance of advanced medical technologies and strong support systems in managing chronic conditions, offering hope to millions of AFib patients and potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with untreated AFib complications.

Possible risks associated with the implant of the LINQ Family ICMs include, but are not limited to, infection at the surgical site, device migration, erosion of the device through the skin and/or sensitivity to the device material. For important safety information, see: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/insertable-heart-monitors/getting-monitor/important-safety-information.html.

Possible risks associated with Sphere-9 may include stroke, pericardial tamponade, narrowing of pulmonary veins, damage to the blood vessels in your groin area, and a serious but extremely rare risk of atrio-esophageal fistula. Other risks include irritation, infection, or bleeding occurring where the catheter was inserted; the heart could be punctured; fluid may build up around the heart, or in rare cases death may occur. Please talk to your doctor to see if this treatment is right for you. For important safety information, see: https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/l/patients/treatments-therapies/catheter-ablation-for-atrial-fibrillation.html#benefits-of-pulsed-field-ablation.

For more information on AFib, visit: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2024/atrial-fibrillation-estimated-affect-about-1-22-americans.