AF Patient Care Program

LifeWatch has launched the first-to-market AF (Atrial Fibrillation) Patient Care Program for monitoring patients across the nation. Following successful pilots at leading academic institutions, LifeWatch has now expanded its customized patient care program for the untapped market of periop-monitoring of those patients undergoing AF catheter and surgical ablation procedures.  

In the U.S., Atrial Fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures have increased dramatically. Over 40,000 procedures were performed on patients in 2007, compared to approximately 26,000 performed in 2006. The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Executive Summary from the 2007 AF Summit held in Denver, Colorado last year cited the need for extended monitoring of patients who are post- AF catheter and surgical ablation in order to track the procedure outcomes and provide appropriate follow-up. The group, consisting of world-renowned experts, came to a consensus that current monitoring programs for periop-AF ablation patients do not adequately meet their needs, or those of the patient. 

Objective periop arrhythmia analysis will dramatically improve the ability to assess the clinical outcomes from complex procedures. Arrhythmia monitoring with directed disease state management may also impact quality of life, morbidity and mortality. The LifeWatch program is consistent with the approach of empowering patients and physicians with real-time ECG data and patient education, with the goals being improved medical compliance and outcomes.

The LifeWatch AF Patient Care Program represents the first disease state management program to be supported by the ACT service platform. LifeWatch has partnered with key cardiac institutions to identify additional patient care programs in Congestive Heart Failure and Pediatrics.