Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is remote monitoring safe?

Yes remote monitoring/follow up technology has been in use since 2000 and has been proven to be safe, secure and reliable.

Do I still need to attend the usual follow-up clinics?

You may not need to attend as frequently as you do currently. However, you will still need to attend the follow-up clinic if any changes to your programmed settings are required or to perform certain measurements that may be necessary.  Routine checks may all be accomplished remotely, but any changes or checks that are out of the routine may require you to travel to the hospital clinic.

The interval between follow ups is dependent on many factors, including your individual condition and the device implanted. It is very important that you attend all follow-up clinic appointments that may be recommended by the doctors and cardiac physiologists/nurses caring for you.

Where should I place my transmitter?

You will be given full instructions on where to put your transmitter and how to send any messages by your implanting centre.

Do I need any other equipment for remote monitoring / remote follow up?

If you and your doctor decide remote monitoring or remote follow-up may be beneficial to you, then it is possible that you can be enrolled today, or that you can have a device implanted with this capability. The aerial is hidden inside the device implanted, therefore the implant will look and feel like any other.

In order to send the signals from your ICD or pacemaker you will need a special transmitting device. This may look like a mobile phone or a small box which you will need to plug into your telephone line.

Is there a risk signals from my device to the hospital clinic will be mixed up?

No. Your data cannot be mixed up during transmission. Your implant and transmitter are clearly allocated to each other using their respective serial numbers.

Is my data safe from unauthorized persons?

Yes. Your doctor views your data via the internet through a secured connection. The server and all systems have been CE certified and comply with the UK data protection act.

Will I be able to access the data myself?

No, the information is only available to the medical team treating you; security measures ensure it is not accessible to anyone else.

Is there a danger from radiation during data transmission?

No. The implant transmits data with an extremely low power on a frequency specially allocated to medical devices, so there is no danger.