How do you detect AFib accurately? With the ‘eyes’ of AI.

Spotting AFib early can make a life-saving difference. Meet the monitor that uses AI to help detect it.

It seems like every day — maybe every minute, at this point — we learn about a new task artificial intelligence can streamline, with human oversight. But sometimes that news is potentially life-changing. Case in point: the use of AI in the detection of AFib, a common type of irregular heartbeat that affects millions of people.

Abbott brings this technology to life with our Assert-IQ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) system. The system combines cutting-edge cardiac monitoring technology on the device with cloud-based AI algorithms to detect and classify AFib in near-real time.

It’s helping people and their doctors keep a close eye on their hearts — every beat, every day.

What is AFib and what are its symptoms?

Your heartbeat begins with an electrical signal that tells the upper and lower chambers of your heart to pump in sequence.

When that signal misfires, it can cause atrial fibrillation, or AFib: The two top chambers (the atria) quiver or flutter, knocking your heartbeat out of rhythm.

Over time, AFib can lead to serious health complications such as blood clots, stroke and heart failure. That’s why it’s so important to detect and manage it early, with a doctor’s help.

Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Heart palpitations
  • General fatigue and weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness
  • Chest pain

How cardiac monitoring helps detect AFib

An insertable cardiac monitor such as our Assert-IQ ICM can identify AFib even before you feel some of those physical symptoms listed above.

The small, paperclip-shaped monitor is inserted just under the skin for people who are determined to be good candidates for heart monitoring due to risk of arrythmia. From then on, the device analyzes every heartbeat for up to six years.*

The monitor first records and then understands the electrical “waves” of your heartbeat as the upper and lower chambers of your heart contract and recover.

Assert-IQ ICM then stays on permanent lookout for any variations in these waves that may signal AFib or any other arrhythmia. Anything the device detects that looks “off” is recorded, interpreted and then shared with your care team.

The role AI plays

You can only imagine the huge amount of data that could be created from years of heartbeats. But this is where Assert-IQ ICM’s AI algorithm comes into play: Instead of sending healthcare teams a barrage of data, including false positives, our AI filters through information and only sends through Afib episodes determined to be “true,” helping your doctors prioritize the most important information so that they get clearer insights faster.

With AI helping enhance the monitor’s accuracy, doctors can do what they do best and tailor your care plan based on the data they’re seeing.

It all adds up to the best of what health technology makes possible: Detecting AFib early, allowing your doctor to adjust your care plan accordingly and keeping your life moving forward.

References

* DM5500 Model

Important Safety Information

Assert-IQ™ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM)

Rx Only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

Indications for Use: The Assert-IQ ICM is indicated for the monitoring and diagnostic evaluation of patients who experience unexplained symptoms that may be cardiac-related such as: dizziness, palpitations, chest pain, syncope, and shortness of breath, as well as patients who are at risk for cardiac arrhythmias such as bradycardia, tachycardia, and sinus pauses. The Assert-IQ ICM is also indicated for patients who have been previously diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) or who are susceptible to developing AF. The Assert-IQ ICM is intended to be inserted subcutaneously in the left pectoral region, also described as the left anterior chest wall. The Assert-IQ ICM has not been specifically tested for pediatric use.

Intended Use: The Assert-IQ ICM is intended to help physicians and clinicians monitor, diagnose and document the heart rhythm in patients who are susceptible to cardiac arrhythmias and unexplained symptoms by detecting arrhythmias and transmitting data for review.

Contraindications: There are no known contraindications for the insertion of the Assert-IQ ICM. However, the patient’s particular medical condition may dictate whether or not a subcutaneous, chronically inserted device can be tolerated.

Potential Adverse Events: Possible adverse events (in alphabetical order) associated with the device, include the following: allergic reaction, bleeding, chronic nerve damage, erosion, excessive fibrotic tissue growth, extrusion, formation of hematomas or cysts, infection, keloid formation and migration.

Refer to the User’s Manual for detailed indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions and potential adverse events.

An Abbott mobile transmitter is available for patients without their own compatible mobile device.

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