For 2 years, Rigoberto Ramirez, MD, cardiologist and electrophysiologist, has been traveling to Great Bend from Kansas City to see patients at St. Rose Medical Pavilion. After seeing patients only in the clinic, in early March Dr. Ramirez began seeing patients for procedures too.
As of mid-April 2023, Dr. Ramirez had implanted LINQ cardiac monitor implants in 4 patients, working with the Great Bend Campus operating room team. LINQ devices help manage and monitor atrial fibrillation, diagnose unexplained fainting, diagnose heart palpitations and help guide management of medications such as anticoagulation.
Implanting the LINQ devices is a quick procedure and does not require general anesthesia or sedation. The doctor administers a local anesthetic in the chest, then a small incision is made to implant the LINQ device. Once the device is implanted, the incision is closed with either glue or stitches.
From start to finish, the procedure typically takes only about 15-30 minutes to complete. The LINQ device wirelessly transmits data directly to Dr. Ramirez’s cardiology team in Kansas City so the team can monitor the patient and modify treatment as necessary.
“This is a small procedure but a big step forward for Great Bend and our community,” says Kyle Zink, RN, nurse manager. “This is another tool Dr. Ramirez can use to provide high-quality care for our patients. It allows our patients to receive care at home in Great Bend.”
The operating rooms and ambulatory teams in Great Bend have worked seamlessly with Dr. Ramirez’s care team in Kansas City to bring this care to patients in Great Bend.
Comments