Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 16, 2026
AFib Patient Finds Freedom with Medtronic LINQ II and Ablation
TLDR
- Gain an edge over unpredictable AFib with Medtronic's LINQ II monitor and Affera ablation system for continuous heart tracking.
- The LINQ II insertable cardiac monitor continuously transmits heart rhythm data to a mobile app for care team review.
- Medtronic's monitoring and ablation technologies reduce AFib uncertainty and improve quality of life for patients and families.
- A tiny insertable heart monitor and dual-energy catheter helped Todd become AFib-free after years of uncertainty.
Impact - Why it Matters
Atrial fibrillation affects over 10 million U.S. adults, yet many struggle to get an accurate diagnosis because episodes are unpredictable and often missed by short-term monitors. Todd Repass Jr.’s story highlights how long-term continuous monitoring with insertable cardiac monitors like the Medtronic LINQ II can capture critical data, leading to more targeted treatments such as pulsed field ablation. For patients, this means fewer unanswered questions, less anxiety, and better outcomes. It also underscores the vital role of caregiver support and informed decision-making. As AFib prevalence grows with an aging population, innovations in monitoring and ablation offer hope for improved quality of life and reduced risk of stroke and heart failure.
Summary
Todd Repass Jr., a then-52-year-old, vividly recalls the terrifying moment in 2018 when he stood up after a meal and felt weak, short of breath, and dizzy. That moment led to a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm that affects more than 10 million U.S. adults and increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. Over the next seven years, Todd tried medication, cardioversion, and lifestyle changes, but his AFib remained unpredictable and disruptive, often lasting for weeks or months. Throughout his journey, his wife provided unwavering support, while his son, an employee of medical device manufacturer Medtronic, offered invaluable guidance. “You just have no clue what’s happening to you,” Todd says. “So, you’re confused, you’re scared.”
Frustrated by the limitations of short-term external monitors that failed to capture his sporadic episodes, Todd began researching options and discussing them with his care team. His cardiologist recommended the LINQ™ Family ICMs, specifically the Medtronic LINQ II™ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM). Placed just under the skin, the small device continuously monitors the heart and transmits abnormal rhythm data to his care team. The outpatient procedure took only minutes, and Todd downloaded the MyCareLink Heart™ mobile app to record symptoms as they occurred. For the first time, he could capture episodes when he felt dizzy or weak, and his care team could correlate his symptoms with the device’s recordings. After several months, the ICM data helped doctors determine that Todd was a strong candidate for pulsed field ablation (PFA) using the Medtronic Affera™ mapping and ablation system and the Sphere-9™ catheter. More than a year after the ablation, Todd is AFib-free, and his LINQ II ICM continues to monitor his heart rhythm. “Getting the LINQ II ICM and the ablation with the Affera system were the best health decisions I’ve ever made in my life,” Todd says. He now enjoys life with his family, exercises, and walks his four golden retrievers without constantly worrying about AFib triggers. To learn more about atrial fibrillation and treatment options, visit the Learn more page.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by NewsUSA. Read the original source here, AFib Patient Finds Freedom with Medtronic LINQ II and Ablation
