Remote Monitoring for Cardiac Devices

Now that your device is implanted, you will require ongoing monitoring and follow-up to ensure the device is working correctly. This includes periodic assessments of the device’s function (including the battery), retrieval of data from your device and any adjustments to the settings.

Historically, every check had to be performed in person, however technology now exists which enables us to do some of these checks remotely. You will still need to attend the practice for some face-to-face appointments, as not all aspects of the device can be checked remotely. In addition, programming changes can only be made at in-person visits.

Remote monitoring of your cardiac device involves the transmission of data from your device (using a manufacturer supplied monitor), to the device manufacturer, who then makes that data/information available to the Sydney Remote Monitoring (SRM) clinic, who are then able to use that information to provide to you / your doctor to ensure that the device is functioning appropriately and to assist with your health care. 

• You would have received either a bedside monitor, a mobile monitor or instructions regarding a monitoring app(downloadable to your phone) that is compatible with your implanted device, from the device manufacturer. 
• The type of monitor is dependent on the manufacturer of your implantable device and will be supplied by the device manufacturer.
• You need to connect the bedside monitor, or if using an app, make sure the app is working. Instructions regarding this will have been provided to you following the device implantation If you have difficulties with your monitor or need any technical assistance, please contact the device company directly (their contact details will have been provided to you following device implantation, and are included in the pack that was provided to you after your procedure). 
• Contact us or the device manufacturer if device not working properly.

The remote monitor transmits data from your implanted device to the device manufacturer. The remote monitor is essentially a “transmitter” rather than a “monitor”. It does not do any monitoring. It transmits data from your cardiac device at regular, scheduled time intervals. In addition, if specific criteria are met, these will generate an automatic alert at non-scheduled times, which are then also communicated to the clinic.

They do not provide treatment or deliver therapies. They do not turn your cardiac device on or off, change settings, or reprogram your device. No information is stored on the remote monitor itself. They do not provide you with any information about your implanted device. They do not provide a “live feed” of information.  They are not an emergency medical alert system. They do not call 000 or your doctor during an emergency. If you have a medical emergency, call 000 for an ambulance. 

No. Device manufacturers supply the equipment that allows home monitoring to occur. The device companies that supplied you with the monitor DOES NOT provide monitoring to you. For remote monitoring to work for you, you need to be enrolled in a remote monitoring service with SRM. 

• SRM will schedule regular remote transmissions from your device and review these transmissions. Transmissions typically occur overnight when your implanted device connects to the home monitor. 
• SRM will check and analyse transmitted alerts. 
• Transmissions are checked during usual business hours and there may be a time lag between when an alert is transmitted from your device to when it is reviewed by the clinic.  The length of this time lag will depend on multiple factors. 
• Results of abnormal transmissions / findings are communicated to you or your doctor to determine the next most appropriate course of action. 
• SRM will contact you if your monitor is not transmitting for extended periods of time. 

• Ensure that your contact details with SRM are up to date, that you are contactable during usual business hours and that you have provided us with an emergency contact person and their contact details.
• The monitor is charged, turned on and connected. If using the app, it needs to be turned on an active. If the monitor / app are not connected to the network we will not receive alerts. 
• Ensure that the bedside monitor is plugged in and located within 2-3 metres (depending on the manufacturer) of you, while you sleep, to enable the data to upload to the monitor. 
• Please advise the clinic of any travel plans or other scheduled events such as surgery, when you may not be within the vicinity of your remote monitor for more than a few days, that may affect the transmissions. 

• Problems with the implanted device and some heart rhythm problems can be detected and treated much earlier that only with in person checks.
• Research has shown that early detection of issues by remote monitoring reduces the risk of hospitalisation or death because of worsening heart failure, compared to patients without monitoring.
• Remote monitoring may also mean fewer trips to the clinic, hence saving cost and time for yourself and any carers that may attend with you.  

Yes.  A remote device check does not fully replace an in person check. Some abnormalities detected on remote monitoring need to be confirmed in person and correlated with your clinical condition. In addition, it is possible to program / make changes to your implanted device remotely. 

• If you decline to participate in remote monitoring, you may not be aware of any problems with your heart rhythm or with your implanted device, until a much later time. 
• You are likely to require more frequent in-person checks.

• SRM charge an annual fee for remote monitoring. The fee is payable when you first enrol and then on a yearly basis. The fee will be discussed with you prior to enrolment. 
• If you choose to cease remote monitoring with SRM you will only be charged for the period of time that you have been enrolled. Your implanted device will remain fully functional, but neither the device manufacturer nor SRM will arrange for an alternative monitoring service.

• Review of your scheduled transmissions
• Review of any automatic alerts over a 12-month period
• Discussion / notification of any abnormal results with you by the clinic nurse / device technician  
• Notification of abnormal results of the transmissions to your usual cardiologist / doctor
• Dedicated point of contact for remote monitoring issues
• MRI compliance forms
• The above constitute a “standard service”. If you require a non-standard service, in which case we will provide you with an individualised fee arrangement.