Current clinical evidence for remote patient management.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Technology
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Pacemaker (PM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients are candidates for remote management strategies.
• Telemedicine encompasses remote follow-up and remote monitoring for device patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and benefits of remote management for PM and ICD patients.
• To compare remote monitoring with conventional in-clinic follow-up.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from large randomized trials (TRUST, COMPAS, CONNECT, ECOST, EVOLVO) and the ALTITUDE registry.
• Assessment of remote management's impact on event detection, shock incidence, and patient survival.

Main Results:

• Remote management enables early detection of clinical events.
• It significantly reduces inappropriate and all charged shocks.
• Fewer in-clinic visits are required, and patient survival is positively impacted.

Conclusions:

• Remote monitoring is clinically more effective and efficient than conventional follow-up for PM and ICD patients.
• Remote management is a safe and beneficial telemedicine strategy for device recipients.