Physicians at the ETMC Cardiovascular Institute have implanted
the AngelMed Guardian cardiac monitor and alert system in a Tyler
man to help track significant changes in the heart's electrical
signal.
The team at Tyler Cardiovascular ConsultantsPA is among the
first in Texas to implant this experimental device that will alert
patients to seek medical attention. The study's goal is to
determine the safety and effectiveness of the AngelMed Guardian
System. "This research study provides an excellent opportunity for some
of our patients who are at high risk of having another heart
attack," said Greg Murphy, director of clinical research with Tyler
CVC PA.
"The device is designed to measure changes in the
electrical signal of the heart and alert the patient at the
earliest onset of a heart attack so that they can get treatment as
soon as possible." According to the American Heart Association, one of every six
deaths in the U.S. is attributable to coronary heart disease.
Each
year, an estimated 785,000 Americans will experience a coronary
attack for the first time, and 470,000 will have a recurrent
attack. The AngelMed Guardian System is comprised of an internal
implantable device, a standard pacemaker lead and an external
telemetry device.
A programmer also is used to wirelessly program
and retrieve data stored in the implantable device. ETMC Tyler is among the first medical facilities to participate
in the AngelMed Guardian System trial. To participate in the ALERTS
study, patients must meet inclusion criteria.
For more
information on the AngelMed Guardian system or the ALERTS study
protocol, contact Tyler CVC at 903-595-5514.