Reveal LINQ for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is progressive and currently incurable and refers to a collection of diseases that lead to the key feature of irreversible airflow limitation and breathing related problems. Of those with COPD, 46% experienced at least one exacerbation within the previous year and 19% needed hospitalization. The financial burden of COPD is also evident, in that over $32 billion was spent for COPD care in the United States in 2010 and it is expected to be close to $50 billion in 2020. Reducing healthcare utilization associated with COPD patient management (i.e. short-term readmission and chronic disease management) is a critically important unmet need for patients, caregivers, and hospitals. Early detection, prevention, and treatment of COPD exacerbation would aim to reduce this high morbidity and cost. To help reduce these exacerbations and improve disease management, sensors in a minimally invasive device can be used to identify factors that are associated with exacerbations.