Monitoring System Transmits ICD Data by Phone

A new remote monitoring system is designed to transmit complex implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) data in real-time over standard telephone lines directly from patient to medical professional.

The system allows a patient to send data that show how the heart and device are functioning without leaving home. Called Housecall Plus, the system can simplify follow-ups for all patients but is especially important for housebound patients or those who live in isolated areas. While other ICD monitoring systems only store data for review at a later time, this new system allows a medical professional to monitor the transmissions immediately and communicate live with the patient.

The system can monitor real-time electrograms, surface electrocardiograms (ECGs), signals and setting of the ICD, delivered therapies, and stored electrograms. The small transmitter is about the size of a telephone answering machine and connects to a standard telephone line and electrical outlet. A built-in speakerphone allows a medical professional to guide a patient through the transmission process. The system was developed by St. Jude Medical, Inc. (St. Paul, MN, USA; www.sjm.com). It supports all current St. Jude Medical Atlas and Epic families of ICDs.

"Patients greatly value the opportunity to interact with the clinical follow-up staff without the inconvenience of traveling to the office,” said Bruce L. Wilkoff, M.D., director of cardiac pacing and tachyarrhythmia devices at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center (Cleveland, OH, USA). "The physicians who have used the system considered the reliability of the monitoring to be outstanding.”




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