Medtronic Pacemaker home monitoring

 

Your pacemaker is continuously monitoring its own function and analysing your heart rhythm. Information about the lead(s) and battery function is continuously recorded. This data is stored in your pacemakers memory. At routine clinic visits this information is retrieved from the pacemaker to guide decisions about your ongoing management. Generally this occurs every 6-12 months.

 

A home monitor allows much more frequent analysis of your heart rhythm and pacemaker function. The RRM protocol for a Medtronic pacemaker is to download the data monthly. This should occur on the first day of the month or as close to that day as possible.

 

It is very important to note that remote monitoring is not an emergency service. It will notify us of pacemaker issues but is not a continuous 24 hour a day monitoring or alarm service.  In an emergency you must seek the appropriate medical care.

 

The following is some of the information that is transmitted:

- Battery longevity

- Lead integrity

- Device settings

- Cardiac arrhythmias, eg atrial fibrillation

- Heart rate profile, pacemaker use

 

FAQ’s

How does it work?

- The pacemaker records data continuously

- The data is downloaded manually monthly from the monitor to a secure website via it’s own cellular network

- The website is reviewed daily by a pacemaker technologist

- Any abnormalities are reported to your doctor

 

Do I leave the monitor on all the time?

The monitor only needs to be on when you perform a download but does require power to charge. It is therefore best to leave it plugged in.

 

What happens if my home loses power?

When the power returns to your home the monitor will turn itself back on.

 

 

What problems can the home monitor detect?

Pacemakers: Lead issues, abnormal heart rhythms, battery depletion

 

How does RRM know my device has reported a problem?

If a device reports a problem an alert is sent to a staff member at RRM via an email and a text message to their phone. The websites are also reviewed every day and every night to ensure no alert has gone undetected.

 

What happens when I am away from home for an extended period?

We suggest taking the monitor with you if you plan to be away for more than one month. RRM will attempt to contact you if there has been no communication with your pacemaker for 30 days.

 

The annual fee for monitoring your pacemaker also includes the Remote Monitoring device.

 

For any  further information regarding your device please contact Nicholas Youngs on 0412 326 149.