In: European journal of medical research, 22 (2017), Nr. 41. pp. 1-9. ISSN 2047-783X

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PDF, English Download (918kB) | Lizenz: Fully digital data processing during cardiovascular implantable electronic device follow-up in a high-volume tertiary center by Staudacher, Ingo ; Nalpathamkalam, Asha R. ; Uhlmann, Lorenz ; Illg, Claudius ; Seehausen, Sebastian ; Akhavanpoor, Mohammadreza ; Buchauer, Anke ; Geis, Nicolas ; Lugenbiel, Patrick ; Schweizer, Patrick A. ; Xynogalos, Panagiotis ; Zylla, Maura M. ; Scholz, Eberhard ; Zitron, Edgar ; Katus, Hugo A. ; Thomas, Dierk underlies the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Germany

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.