OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the viability of the transtelephonic follow-up of paced patients, and its economical, human and practical consequences. SETTING: Pacing center of a central university hospital and departments of cardiology in district hospitals. INTERVENTIONS: 400 patients under transtelephonic follow-up, between April 1983 and December 1992, with a total of 1200 transtelephonic consultations. Analysis of the parameters of the stimulation and of the ECG tracings transmitted by a Transmitter Receptor Medtronic Teletrace 9403. RESULTS: No technical problems were found in the transtelephonic transmission and clear ECG tracings were recorded. A very substantial decrease in follow-up costs was so obtained. CONCLUSION: The transtelephonic monitoring of paced patients is a possible, useful and accurate method of follow-up.
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the viability of the transtelephonic follow-up of paced patients, and its economical, human and practical consequences. SETTING: Pacing center of a central university hospital and departments of cardiology in district hospitals. INTERVENTIONS: 400 patients under transtelephonic follow-up, between April 1983 and December 1992, with a total of 1200 transtelephonic consultations. Analysis of the parameters of the stimulation and of the ECG tracings transmitted by a Transmitter Receptor Medtronic Teletrace 9403. RESULTS: No technical problems were found in the transtelephonic transmission and clear ECG tracings were recorded. A very substantial decrease in follow-up costs was so obtained. CONCLUSION: The transtelephonic monitoring of paced patients is a possible, useful and accurate method of follow-up.