Why the study?
Inappropriate shocks from ICDs and CRT-D devices cause physical and psychological adverse effects, and it was unknown whether remote monitoring reduces inappropriate shocks and time to medical assessment.
Does remote monitoring reduce inappropriate shocks and time to medical assessment in patients with an ICD or CRT-D?
Does remote monitoring reduce inappropriate shocks and time to medical assessment in patients with an ICD or CRT-D?
Remote monitoring of ICDs and CRT-Ds in rural areas is associated with fewer inappropriate shocks and reduced time to medical assessment.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
RM may reduce inappropriate shocks in remote settings; leaves open need for RCTs before practice change.
BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy with defibrillators (CRT-D) reduce mortality in certain cardiac patient populations. However, inappropriate shocks pose a problem, having both adverse physical and psychological effects on the patient. The advances in device technology now allow remote monitoring (RM) of devices to replace clinic follow up appointments. This allows real time data to be analysed and actioned and this may improve patient care. AIM: To determine if RM in patients with an ICD is associated with fewer inappropriate shocks and reduced time to medical assessment. METHODS: This was a single centre, retrospective observational study, involving 156 patients implanted with an ICD or CRT-D, followed up for 2 years post implant. Both appropriate and inappropriate shocks were recorded along with cause for inappropriate shocks and time to medical assessment. CONCLUSION: RM in patients with an ICD is associated with improved patient outcomes.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Callum et al. (2021) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: