Heart patients, who are living with implanted devices and have to see their doctors often for regular checkups, have got a reason to relax now. They can get their checkups done without running to their doctors each time. They need not worry if their doctors are travelling and are not available to look at their reports.The doctor will be able to stay updated about their conditions, wherever he is.
Thanks to the new wireless Home Monitoring System for pacemakers; the transmitter technology which can relay data direct from the patient’s heart to the doctor’s phone, or clinic for regular monitoring.
This Home Monitoring (HM) solution for pacemaker has been designed for implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) and heart failure (CRT) patients. It combines the patient’s pacemaker with a cell phone-like device which works on GPS-enabled network, and transmits important data of the patient’s cardiovascular progress, and even the status of the implanted pacemaker’s battery, to their doctors, from the source to anywhere in the world.
The Home Monitoring (HM) device can be carried along by the patient in a pocket or handbag. It works well within the range of 3 to 4 meters and can be programmed by the physician to collect data on a pre-fixed schedule or in case of any serious clinical event. The data will then be automatically transmitted either by SMS, email, or fax. Depending on the features of the device, data can be transmitted to its operating centre, where it is processed and stored in a secure internet information centre, and can even be uploaded on the website for review by authorized persons or doctors. This is a completely automatic process without manual interference.
The Home Monitoring for Pacemaker device is quite capable of promising benefits to the patients. Several studies have proved the feasibility of this home monitoring system and have ascertained its technical reliability. This technology is potentially full of advantages for pacemakers and cardioverter defibrillators(ICDs), which enable early detection and reaction to changes in patient’s condition like atrial and ventricular arrhythmia development, or heart failure symptoms. It spares patients from compelling visits to physicians and special health care resource allocation. Even a technical trouble in the device can be detected early.
Dr. T. S. Kler, Executive Director, Escorts Heart Institute, Delhi confirms that this Home Monitoring system will facilitate the healthcare of patients with cardiovascular problems very much. He terms this technology as a quantum leap in cardiac arrhythmia therapy and looks at it as a boon for pacemaker and ICD patients who require regular monitoring of their cardiac status.
