The latest version of the Merlin.net PCN also features the DirectTrend™ Viewer reporting capability, which can be used to enhance visibility into patient trends to simplify patient management and enhance clinical insight. The DirectTrend Viewer reporting feature allows physicians to track data over time related to clinical events, alerts, and recent transmissions.


"Our focus with this next-generation system continues to be on giving physicians timely, actionable data, and improving disease management," said Eric S. Fain, M.D., president of the St. Jude Medical Cardiac Rhythm Management Division. "Adding the DirectTrend Viewer Reporting feature helps improve the speed at which physicians receive and can interpret information, so they can effectively manage their patients' conditions."

To better assist physicians in accurately diagnosing and managing patients with fast rates in the heart's upper chambers (atria), the DirectAlerts Notification feature on the Merlin.net PCN works with the Accent RF and Anthem RF devices, and Promote™ Accel, Current™ Accel and AnalyST™ Accel devices to include a new AT/AF Alert feature. This feature is designed to notify physicians when a rapid atrial rate - atrial tachycardia or atrial fibrillation (AT/AF) - exceeds a programmed value or occurs over an extended time period. The devices also can be programmed to notify the patient of AT/AF episodes, as well as device- and lead-related issues, through a two-tone audible alert in low voltage devices, or a vibrating patient notifier in high voltage devices. These features will allow the physician to more proactively manage patients' atrial arrhythmias, such as AF.

Version 4.0 of the Merlin.net PCN also enables remote monitoring of ST segment shifts, which are able to be detected by the AnalyST™ and AnalyST Accel ICD. The company's proprietary ST Monitoring diagnostic algorithm continuously monitors for changes in a specific portion of the heart's electrical rhythm, called the ST segment. These changes can indicate conditions such as ischemia (which occurs when blood flow/oxygen to the heart muscle is obstructed). The DirectAlerts feature of Merlin.net PCN allows physicians to request specific ST segment alerts be sent via e-mail, pager or SMS text, to notify them of changes in their patient's condition.

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