Sleek device allows for earlier therapy adjustments in Japanese cardio patients

BIOTRONIK has launched the portable data-transmitter device CardioMessenger Smart 3G in Japan. It is about the size of a smartphone and keeps pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) wearers connected to their physicians, enabling safer, more efficient treatment at any time, nearly anywhere in the world. Japan is the first country to introduce the new transmitter and it will be rolled out in European countries throughout 2015.

Conventional remote monitoring systems in Japan require an AC adapter, so taking the transmitter outside is not possible. Because of this, data is usually only transmitted when the patient is at home. With CardioMessenger Smart 3G, equipped with a rechargeable internal battery, patients can carry the transmitter anywhere and anytime, just like a mobile phone. It enables continuous daily monitoring, independent of the patient's lifestyle. Data can be transmitted to the physician via BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring, even if the patient is in a place without an AC adaptor when they develop arrhythmic events. As demonstrated by the IN-TIME trial, Home Monitoring significantly reduces mortality rates.

"I believe that CardioMessenger Smart 3G will improve the therapeutic quality as it increases prompt reactions by physicians," commented Dr. Eiichi Watanabe, Professor at the Department of Cardiology Fujita Health University School of Medicine. "In addition, it's very comforting to patients who feel that they are always taken care of when they carry their CardioMessenger Smart 3G," added Dr. Watanabe, who was the principal investigator for the Japanese Home ICD study. This study evaluated the reliability of ICD Home Monitoring in forecasting the need for regular office visits and patient perspective. Judged by an independent committee, the study found that remote monitoring correctly forecasted 75.1 per cent of non-necessity remote follow-ups and 94.5 per cent of the patient population were comfortable with the technology.

CardioMessenger Smart 3G sends information from the device to the BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring Service Center using wireless RF[2] telemetry and coded data transmission for maximum safety and security. Consistent and reliable data transmission occurs both daily and when triggered by an event. A call back message for patients enables physicians to get in contact with their patients whenever necessary.

"More than 10,000 Japanese hearts are already safely taken care of with BIOTROINIK Home Monitoring," commented Jeffrey Annis, Managing Director BIOTRONIK Japan. "With the launch of the CardioMessenger Smart in Japan, more patients will have the peace of mind knowing that they can take this technology with them at anytime and anywhere,"