Abstract
The use of remote-control (RC) to manage cardiac devices has been tested before as safe and effective in the MRI space. We thought evaluating the use of RC application in patients at home. Remote-Control management of cardiac devices in patients at home is safe, effective with patients’ acceptance. Patients (pts) with pacemakers and defibrillators using CareLink network were offered to participate on up to two home RC sessions. A technician visited the patient’s home and set up a telehealth tablet and a dedicated programmer with modem card and RC software. These devices were connected via a cellular hot spot to the internet. The investigator had a videoconference interview with the pt and instructed the technician to input a randomized session key number to enable the programmer encrypted communication via a third-party host. At this point the investigator had remote-control of the programmer for usual full device function testing and data assessment. Parameters reprogramming was performed as clinically deemed necessary. In all cases a legend regarding the RC session was programmed in the device information field. A patients’ feedback questionnaire was recorded. A total of 58 pts were evaluated for a total of 78 RC sessions. Pacemakers: 45 and 14 ICDs (one pt had 2 devices). There were no complications or communication interruptions once proven stable after the first minute. In 13 sessions the initial interrogation communication was interrupted upon device interrogation requiring to be re-established (sometimes resourcing to an alternative cellular carrier). Clinically driven parameters reprogramming was performed in 22 sessions. Programming of notations regarding RC session were performed in all of them. The average RC session duration was 11 +/- 3 minutes. Pts’ satisfaction scored 4.5/5. Remote-Control management of cardiac devices at pts’ home can be performed safely and effectively, with high patient satisfaction and expansive convenience particularly in times of COVID pandemic and patients with limited transportation. Eventual advancements in the programmer interface, becoming patient self-driven, will facilitate the use of this feature.
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