Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices include pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators. These devices are used in patients whose hearts beat too quickly, too slowly or in an irregular pattern. They monitor heart rhythm and use electrical pulses to keep the heart beating properly. Patients with such devices have regular visits to outpatient clinics to ensure their devices are performing correctly. However, this means any irregular heart rhythms may not be discovered until weeks or months after they occur.
Health Quality Ontario Reviews Remote Monitoring Systems for Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices
Remote monitoring systems provide physicians with information from the implantable cardiac devices with little time delay. They may reduce the total follow-up time patients spend in clinics, reduce physician workload, and lower patients’ transportation costs, especially in places without outpatient clinics.
This topic is currently under re-review by Health Quality Ontario.