Evolution of Management Strategies of Heart Failure Patients With Implantable Defibrillators

The Medtronic CareLink system(Minneapolis, MN, USA)includes a patient monitor plugged into a standard analog telephone connection, and a lightweight wand to communicate with the implanted device. Interrogation of the device and transmission of the data occur when the patient places the wand over the implanted device. The system uses radio frequency telemetry for wireless automatic communication. This allows for data transmission without patient intervention and enables automatic transmissions at pre-specified routine intervals as well as alert-based downloads.The system can transmit data in case of programmable conditions on diagnostic variables, arrhythmias, delivered ICD therapies, battery/lead issues, and alert the physician via phone or e-mail. The patient's information is sent to a secure Network server via the telephone connection and clinical staff can review device information.Available data are equivalent to that which can be retrieved at an in-office visit.