Medtronic has announced U.S. FDA approval of its CareLink SmartSync device manager. With the introduction of SmartSync, physicians are now be able to use an Apple iPad to program and manage data from Medtronic’s BlueSync-enabled implanted cardiac devices.

SmartSync is a programmer and pacing system analyzer that follows the areLink 2090 programmer. It features a new user interface, enhanced security and Bluetooth capabilities to communicate with compatible cardiac devices. As a wireless system that weighs just over two pounds, SmartSync is portable, allowing physicians more freedom to engage with patients as they program and manage cardiac devices and device data. SmartSync includes the CareLink SmartSync mobile application, patient connector (telemetry head) and base station (pacing system analyzer).

“Medtronic is committed to developing smart technology solutions that help physicians seamlessly provide high-quality care to cardiac patients,” said Rob Kowal, MD, PhD, chief medical officer, vice president of medical affairs and business development of the Cardiac Rhythm and Heart Failure division, which is part of the Cardiac and Vascular Group at Medtronic.

The SmartSync device manager received CE Mark approval in 2018 and is currently available in more than 20 countries worldwide. It is also available in select sites in the United States with a full U.S. launch expected in August 2019.

“The wireless capabilities and data transfer options of the SmartSync device manager have increased my efficiency in the lab and allow me to interact with my patients and peers more directly without sacrificing performance,” comments Klaus Witte, MD, FRCP, FESC, FACC, associate professor and consultant cardiologist, and lead clinician for cardiology at the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in the United Kingdom. “This type of portable device programing represents the future of cardiac data technology.”