Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, has announced an expanded distribution agreement with Retia Medical to bring the Argos cardiac output monitor to hospitals across Western Europe.
The agreement expands the Acute Care & Monitoring (ACM) portfolio of Medtronic in Western Europe, strengthening its perioperative and critical care offering with advanced haemodynamic monitoring technology. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
The Argos cardiac output monitor provides clinicians with accurate haemodynamic data and reliable trending,¹ and is designed to support informed decision‑making in the care of high‑risk surgical and critically ill adult patients. In the operating room and intensive care unit, circulatory shock—often presenting as hypotension—can progress rapidly if not identified early. Advanced haemodynamic monitoring plays an important role in detecting changes in cardiovascular status, enabling timely and individualised clinical response.²
Clinical evidence suggests that pre‑emptive haemodynamic intervention supported by advanced monitoring has been associated with 1–2‑day shorter ICU stays³, highlighting the potential value3-5 of advanced haemodynamic monitoring in complex care environments.
“Our focus is on helping clinicians navigate complexity with greater clarity,” said Marc De Martini, Western Europe commercial vice president of the Acute Care & Monitoring business, which is part of the Medical Surgical portfolio at Medtronic. “The Argos cardiac output monitor adds meaningful haemodynamic insight to our Acute Care & Monitoring portfolio and complements established technologies such as INVOS cerebral oximetry, supporting a more comprehensive view of patient status across perioperative and critical care environments. By bringing this technology to Western Europe, we are reinforcing our commitment to partner with healthcare systems as they work to deliver high‑quality care in an increasingly resource‑constrained environment.”
The Argos cardiac output monitor offers an advanced algorithm called Multi-Beat Analysis (MBA), developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Michigan State University. Unlike other monitors that analyse only one beat at a time, the MBA algorithm analyses multiple heartbeats from the blood pressure signal to model a patient’s vascular resistance directly. It provides accurate hemodynamic data on ten comprehensive parameters even during changes in vasomotor tone, low cardiac output, and arrhythmia.1
“Medtronic is an ideal partner for Retia Medical as we expand access to the Argos cardiac output monitor in Western Europe,” said Marc Zemel, chief executive officer of Retia Medical. “With a robust portfolio, deep customer relationships, and leadership in advancing acute care and monitoring technologies, Medtronic is uniquely positioned to help bring the benefits of our innovative solution to clinicians and patients across Western Europe. We look forward to working together to help to set a new standard in hemodynamic monitoring.”
The Argos cardiac output monitor leverages the patient’s existing arterial line, eliminating the need for a proprietary transducer by connecting through a single reusable cable to a standard radial blood pressure transducer. The monitor is easy to use, features an intuitive multi-touch screen interface, and can be fully operational quickly.6 In addition, there is no need for costly disposable accessories to connect.
For more information about the Argos cardiac output monitor visit medtronic.co.uk/argos.
References
- Kee A, Kirchhoff B, Grigsby J, et al. Prospective Evaluation of a Multibeat Analysis Cardiac Index Estimation in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2023;37(8):1377-1381. doi:10.1053/j.jvca.2023.04.003
- Bose EL, Hravnak M, Pinsky MR. The interface between monitoring and physiology at the bedside. Crit Care Clin. 2015;31(1):1-24.
- Dave C, Shen J, Chaudhuri D, et al. Dynamic Assessment of Fluid Responsiveness in Surgical ICU Patients Through Stroke Volume Variation is Associated With Decreased Length of Stay and Costs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Intensive Care Medicine. 2020;35(1):14-23.
- Benes J, Giglio M, Brienza N, Michard F. The effects of goal-directed fluid therapy based on dynamic parameters on post-surgical outcome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Care. 2014;18(5):584. Published 2014 Oct 28. doi:10.1186/s13054-014-0584-z
- Pinksy MR, Cecconi M, Chew MS, et al. Effective hemodynamic monitoring. Critical Care. 2022; 26(1):924.
- Based on internal testing held by manufacturer.
