In the News
Goodbye to Wires, Hello Better Heart Monitoring
January 27, 2026
Willamette Valley Medical Center Introduces Zio® Patch Heart Monitoring to Improve Arrhythmia Detection and Patient Comfort
McMinnville, OR — January 27, 2026 — Willamette Valley Medical Center is proud to announce the launch of the Zio® patch, an adhesive cardiac monitor that continuously records heart activity for up to 14 days, providing clinicians with high-quality data to diagnose heart rhythm abnormalities more accurately and efficiently.
The Zio patch is a non-invasive, single-lead electrocardiographic (ECG) monitor designed for extended rhythm tracking and replaces the cumbersome Holter monitors of the past. Applied directly to the chest, the patch can be worn comfortably for 7 to 14 days during everyday activities—including work, exercise, and sleep—without the inconvenience of wires or bulky equipment. Its water-resistant design allows patients to shower while wearing the device.
“This technology is a big step forward our patients who require cardiac monitoring,” said Troy Ruhter, director of laboratory services at Willamette Valley Medical Center. “The Zio patch is easy to wear and gives our care teams the clear information they need to spot concerns early and make timely decisions.”
How It Works
- Easy Application: The Zio patch can be placed during a clinic or hospital visit.
- Continuous Data Collection: The device continuously records electrical activity of the heart to capture irregular rhythms that may be missed during shorter, in‑clinic tests.
- Symptom Correlation: Using the MyZio mobile app, patients can log symptoms in real time, enabling clinicians to correlate feelings like fluttering or lightheadedness with cardiac data.
- Actionable Reporting: After the wear period, data are analyzed and a comprehensive report is delivered to the care team to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
Benefits for Patients and Care Teams
- Comprehensive Monitoring: Unlike a traditional ECG that offers a brief snapshot, the Zio patch provides a continuous, long-term view of heart rhythm—especially helpful for infrequent arrhythmias.
- Comfort and Discretion: The patch is small, lightweight, and discreet, helping patients go about their daily lives with minimal disruption.
- Clear, Actionable Insights: Clinicians receive high-fidelity, summarized results that streamline clinical decision-making and care pathways.