A new device for remote monitoring of implanted cardiac devices enables clinicians at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton to set up 'remote clinics' for patients at home.

The CareLink system from Medtronic enables self-monitoring in patients with either of two heart devices: implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), which prevent sudden cardiac arrest, or implantable loop recorders (ILR), which detect cardiac arrhythmias.

Helen Ebanks, Senior Cardiac Physiologist at Musgrove, said: "Normally these patients would need to come into hospital for a check every six months. We started the home monitoring service nearly a year ago, and now have nearly 120 patients able to send in a check from their own home every three months.

"The patient has a grey box, about the size of a lunchbox, which plugs into the phone line. This device gets the data from the implanted device and sends it down the phone line to us. We then access and review the data on our computers, record it, and call the patient in if we have any concerns.

"This is much better for patients as the checks are more frequent, and if they feel unwell or concerned they can send us another download at any time so that we can make an immediate assessment."

Patient Jim Legg commented: "This new equipment is marvellous and easy to use. It's very reassuring to know that I can send information in at any time without even having to leave the house, and I know I still have all the back-up and support of the specialist team at Musgrove."

The CareLink system enabled the cardiac team at Musgrove to carry out remote clinics for many heart patients during January's heavy snow, without any disruption to services.

 
Helen Ebanks