Introduction: The PM, ICD, and loop recorders (devices) can record and store a large amount of information regarding the operation of the implanted system, the functional capacity and heart rate. The data can be remotely controlled ("Remote Monitoring"). The control system sends remote technical and clinical data from the pacemaker / defibrillator / loop recorder device to the patient. This information can be transmitted both periodically in special circumstances decided by your doctor. The telephone network used and the type and frequency of transmissions vary depending on the system utilizzato.Tali data, in turn, are sent to a service center where they are processed, decrypted and made available in a readable format on a secure website dedicated to which can access the medical and clinical staff, with an ID and a password through the Internet. In cases of critical events pre-determined for each patient the doctor will be informed by e-mail, SMS or fax. The information sent through the System Remote Monitoring shall ensure that the doctor can better monitor the heart rhythm and the operation of the device without having to wait for the next ambulatory monitoring, which could be expected after weeks or months. The doctor uses the information obtained as a support to medical therapy, to optimize device programming and better clinical management of the patient. The system does not replace the regular outpatient visits, although it is possible to reduce the frequency or run them in a more focused manner. The system is an information system for emergency and the patient should activate the 118 cases of serious symptoms and disorders.
Personal experience: . Since November 2011 we follow more than 70 patients with implantable cardiac devices with Remote Monitoring quettro of the five companies that have now also choose between the system. The flow of information is to send monthly or quarterly or as needed data. Our organization integrates with HM ambulatory monitoring, so that all the devices are also seen at least once a year nell&quos;ambulatorio. The service sees integration of the members of the team arrhythmology and colleagues who deal with heart failure in an outpatient clinic dedicated. We operate under a corporate procedure validated by the Quality Management and Health of our hospital. The patient signs an informed consent to the privacy and informed consent on the system. In the case of the red or yellow alarm that we receive via email or sms, technical staff contact the patient and calls for extraordinary visit, if necessary, after you have shared with the doctor in charge for that period the evaluation of the alarm. In the case of periodic inspection the technician checks the cases and then the doctor valid transmissions carteca A copy of the control is kept in the department.
Conclusions: From our initial experience we can draw some considerations: - High rating by patients who see the reduced number of accesses hospital - Reliability and security of the system as regards the follow-up electronic data and for hemodynamic monitoring- Reduced compliance by patients for manual transmissions.