Advances in remote monitoring of implantable pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy systems.

Unlike the standard quarterly or semi-annual direct ambulatory device interrogations procedures, state-of-the-art implantable electronic cardiovascular devices (IECD) enable their wireless remote interrogation and monitoring, and automatically send reports and special alerts on a daily basis. This allows physicians to respond more proactively to changes in patient or device status, more appropriately triage patient care, and more efficiently perform the post-implant ambulatory follow-ups. This review presents the-state-of the-art technology of remote IECD monitoring and summarizes the main clinical observations published through June 2008. Cardiovascular remote monitoring systems made by several manufacturers are currently in various phases of development, clinical investigation, and medical applications. Data collected in several completed and ongoing studies strongly suggest that this new technology will make important contributions, particularly with respect to the facilitation of IECD follow-ups, enhancement of patient safety and quality of life, and lowering of medical costs. Further technological advances and a more clear understanding and appreciation of the clinical and economic benefits of telecardiology, will likely increase sharply the use of remote IECD monitoring in upcoming years.