We report on a prospective, single-centre, non-randomized, observational experience of consecutive Reveal LINQ implantation in the electrophysiology laboratory or a procedure room between October 2013 and October 2015.
Of 178 consecutive patients who underwent LINQ device insertion, 80 were implanted in the electrophysiology laboratory and 98 in a procedure room. There were no significant differences in baseline patient characteristics. All implants were performed in the recommended manufacturer method with the exception of 1 which required suture closure. Only a minority received peri-procedural antibiotics with a greater number in the electrophysiology laboratory group (11 [14%] versus 1 [1%], p = 0.007). Overall, there were 3 (1.7%) complications with no significant difference between the electrophysiology laboratory and the procedure room groups (2 [3%] versus 1 [1%], p = 0.45). There was 1 superficial infection in the procedure room group and 1 superficial infection with device extrusion and 1 traumatic extrusion in the electrophysiology laboratory group. Procedure room implantation subjectively improved laboratory efficiency and patient flow.
Reveal LINQ insertion can be safely performed outside of the cardiac laboratory provided a sterile technique is followed by the operator using manufacturer recommendations for insertion. These findings have significant resource implications for hospitals undertaking such procedures.