European Journal of Medical Research (Oct 2017)

Fully digital data processing during cardiovascular implantable electronic device follow-up in a high-volume tertiary center

  • Ingo Staudacher,
  • Asha Roy Nalpathamkalam,
  • Lorenz Uhlmann,
  • Claudius Illg,
  • Sebastian Seehausen,
  • Mohammadreza Akhavanpoor,
  • Anke Buchauer,
  • Nicolas Geis,
  • Patrick Lugenbiel,
  • Patrick A. Schweizer,
  • Panagiotis Xynogalos,
  • Maura M. Zylla,
  • Eberhard Scholz,
  • Edgar Zitron,
  • Hugo A. Katus,
  • Dierk Thomas

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-017-0284-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 1
pp. 1 – 9

Abstract

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Abstract Background Increasing numbers of patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and limited follow-up capacities highlight unmet challenges in clinical electrophysiology. Integrated software (MediConnect®) enabling fully digital processing of device interrogation data has been commercially developed to facilitate follow-up visits. We sought to assess feasibility of fully digital data processing (FDDP) during ambulatory device follow-up in a high-volume tertiary hospital to provide guidance for future users of FDDP software. Methods A total of 391 patients (mean age, 70 years) presenting to the outpatient department for routine device follow-up were analyzed (pacemaker, 44%; implantable cardioverter defibrillator, 39%; cardiac resynchronization therapy device, 16%). Results Quality of data transfer and follow-up duration were compared between digital (n = 265) and manual processing of device data (n = 126). Digital data import was successful, complete and correct in 82% of cases when early software versions were used. When using the most recent software version the rate of successful digital data import increased to 100%. Software-based import of interrogation data was complete and without failure in 97% of cases. The mean duration of a follow-up visit did not differ between the two groups (digital 18.7 min vs. manual data transfer 18.2 min). Conclusions FDDP software was successfully implemented into the ambulatory follow-up of patients with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators. Digital data import into electronic patient management software was feasible and supported the physician’s workflow. The total duration of follow-up visits comprising technical device interrogation and clinical actions was not affected in the present tertiary center outpatient cohort.

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