The role of remote monitoring in the reduction of inappropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies

Abstract

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) with the integrated Home Monitoring feature use dedicated mobile phone and internet links to provide the physicians and technicians in the ICD clinic with the essential device- and arrhythmia-related data stored in the ICD diagnostic memory. Various counters, graphs and intracardiac electrograms are automatically transmitted via Home Monitoring each day to allow prompt, remote presentation of arrhythmias or detection of technical problems. One of the most inconvenient side-effects of the ICD therapy is inappropriate intervention of the device. Home Monitoring data can help the physician to identify and subsequently reduce the incidence of inappropriate ICD therapy.