[Remote monitoring and follow up of implantable cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices].

INTRODUCTION: The implantable cardiac devices like regular pacemaker, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) automatic implantable defibrillators (ICD) and CRT associate with ICD (CRTD) are now being used frequently. Patient visits to pacemaker and ICD clinics for review and monitoring, has increases significantly. We present the experience of monitoring via satellite of patients with implantable cardiac devices in Mexico.

METHODS: Eighteen patients were selected from the arrhythmia Service Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation of High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE) of Specialties Hospital Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret. National Medical Center (NMC) La Raza Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), who had a device (CRT, ICD y CRT-D) that is able to send information through the BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring system, from March 2006, to March 2009.

RESULTS: We obtained 4,980 transmissions as reports and 149 alerts recorded events, of which 50 were in ventricular fibrillation, 14 in ventricular tachycardia, frequent ventricular extra systoles exceeded by the range allowed in one hour were 25, electrograms default 26; and atrial fibrillation at 11.

CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring system via satellite is reliable and useful diagnostic tool, which permits early detection, opportune treatment and effective monitoring of implantable cardiac devices.