Assisted reality device to guide cardiac implantable device programming in distant rural areas

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Health Technology
• Remote Healthcare

Background:

• Patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in rural areas face challenges accessing specialized follow-up care.
• Limited access to specialized facilities hinders essential device interrogation and programming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an assisted reality device for remote specialist guidance during CIED care in rural Colombia.
• To assess the feasibility of using front-line workers with remote expert support for CIED management.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 139 patients undergoing 205 CIED interrogations using the Realwear HMT-1 device.
• General practitioners performed procedures guided by remote cardiac electrophysiologists in rural settings.
• Data collected included CIED alerts and non-CIED related medical interventions.

Main Results:

• Clinically significant CIED alerts occurred in 42% of interrogations, including arrhythmias (35%) and lead issues (3%).
• 52% of encounters involved non-CIED related medical or cardiac interventions.
• Oral anticoagulation was initiated in 8% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Assisted reality devices facilitate specialized CIED care in remote areas, overcoming geographical barriers.
• This technology supports interventions beyond device management, offering significant clinical and social benefits to rural populations.
• Remote assistance enhances the reach of cardiac electrophysiology services to underserved communities.