[The place of telemedicine in rhythmology and cardiac pacing]

Rapid advancement in telecommunication technology has made possible automatic periodic transmission of pacemaker and implantable defibrillator data to the attending physician (home monitoring). Furthermore, technology using remote control software allows, through device programmers, interrogation of the device memory, permitting remote monitoring by physicians or technical support of the manufacturer. Potential applications of these two capabilities include a close watch over the functioning of the devices, ability to obtain an earlier diagnosis (and management) of arrhythmic events, and assistance at the time of implant procedure and routine follow up. Finally these new tools raise several questions concerning safety aspects (including reliability of transmission, encrypted transfer, restricted access of the central database), economic aspects, and physician and manufacturer's liability.