Information for patients and caregivers
FAQs
This product is not available for purchase by the general public.
We have put together some commonly asked questions about the GUARDIAN. Please speak to your doctor for clinical advice and to understand if the GUARDIAN could be a solution for you.
The GUARDIAN® is a simple implantable heart monitoring device. It monitors your heart’s electrical signal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and watches for changes which may indicate that your heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen which could signal a potential heart attack.
When the GUARDIAN detects a change in your normal heart signal, it alerts you to seek help, letting you know to either call your doctor or an ambulance.
The GUARDIAN 1,2:
- Removes the guesswork from heart attack symptoms
- May assist you in getting to the hospital quicker for assessment and treatment
- Alerts you of an event, even when there are no symptoms, or the symptoms are confusing
- Helps to decrease or limit the long-term damage from a subsequent heart attack
- Can provide peace of mind if you are at risk of having another heart attack
A significant benefit in quality of life for patients was noted in the GUARDIAN studies. Patients were less anxious, worried less about exercise and sexual activity, and slept better3.
The GUARDIAN is implanted in the same way as a pacemaker. A single lead is placed in the heart and attached to the bottom right wall of the heart. The lead is attached to the GUARDIAN which is placed between your muscle and skin (in a pocket) near your left shoulder.
The procedure usually takes between 45 – 60 minutes.
When the GUARDIAN detects a potential event, the implanted device vibrates, alerting you that you need to take action. In addition to the vibration, it communicates with a pager-sized device that both beeps and flashes, letting you know that you need to either call your doctor or an ambulance.
The GUARDIAN has demonstrated a similar safety profile to a pacemaker. The GUARDIAN has been shown to decrease the time it takes patients to get to the hospital when they are having a heart attack.
References:
1. Gibson, M., Holmes, D., Mikdadi, G., et al. Implantable Cardiac Alert System for Early Recognition of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. JACC. 2019; 73(15):1919-1927.
2. Holmes, D.R., Krucoff, M.W., Mullin, C., et al. Implanted Monitor Alerting to Reduce Treatment Delay in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Events. JACC. 2019; 74(16):2047-2055.
3. Fischell, T., Fischell, R., Avezum, A., et al. Initial Clinical Results Using Intracardiac Electrogram Monitoring to Detect and Alert Patients During Coronary Plaque Rupture and Ischemia. JACC. 2010 Sep 28; 56(14):1089–98