[Telemonitoring of implantable devices. Practical aspects and ongoing studies]

Telemedicine is used in various areas of cardiology, e.g., for the detection of cardiac arrhythmias and monitoring coronary artery disease and heart failure. Telemedicine is playing an increasing role is the monitoring of implantable devices (pacemakers, defibrillators, and event recorders). Most manufacturers of these devices have, in the meantime, telemedical concepts. The current guidelines of cardiac societies advocate the implantation of telemedicine-controlled devices. In the practical implementation of telemedicine devices, recruitment and involvement of patients, setting up of telemedicine consultation, legal aspects, and financing questions are of special relevance.