Remote Monitoring of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

The rate of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation has gone up as primary and secondary prevention trials have relatively consistently shown significant improvement in mortality and morbidity. Most patients with ICDs are followed routinely at intervals ranging from 3 to 6 months. Many patients require additional non-scheduled visits to investigate symptoms that may or may not relate to their cardiac disease or device. Appropriate and inappropriate therapies of implantable cardioverter defibrillators have a major impact on morbidity and quality of life in ICD recipients. Remote monitoring systems can substitute for routine follow-up visits and/ or deliver continuous diagnostic and device status information. Remote monitoring of ICDs can decrease the need for many patient visits and, thereby, probably reduce expense.