Landlines for called in PM checks

We do not have a telephone landline to our house. Whenever I have to call in a routine pacemaker check, I have to find a landline to use which is a pain especially while traveling. In the hope that there might be a better way coming soon I contacted the manufacture of the modem box that my doctor has me use and I got the following response:


Thank you for your inquiry and question regarding TZ Medical's products. It is interesting that you mention the issue of having to use a landline phone for your pacemaker checks, as we are actually developing a new device for arrhythmia event monitoring that will have the ability to transmit data via a unit with a cell phone built into it, so you will no longer have to use a landline phone, or even a cell phone. Our engineers are currently trying to determine the viability of using the device for Pacemaker checks as well.

Please feel free to check back in 6 months or so. We hope to have the final version approved later this year. I believe Medtronic has a Carelink system that may already have this technology if you want to check the web. Thanks again for your question, and have a fantastic 2011.

Sincerely,
Ian Giammanco
Senior Sales Specialist
7272 SW Durham Rd. Ste. 800
Portland, OR 97224
Ofc: 800.944.0187
Fax: 503.639.0239
Cell: 503.502.1453


It sounds like there may be some better ways coming soon.


3 Comments

OOH La La!

by pacergirl - 2011-01-12 10:01:06

This is something I want to learn more about! As many of my friends already know, I have the Merlin that monitors me while I sleep. It uses a Phone line (landline) connected to the back of the computer and relays information each night. Now one that actually does not require and phone line would really free us up to go ANYWHERE there is wireless! FANTASTIC!

I will certainly be watching for this dev.

Thank you for the post!
Pacergirl

How about internet connection

by ElectricFrank - 2011-01-13 02:01:19

There is no reason why internet option couldn't be provided as well. Most of us gave up dial up years ago and the same advantages apply to a pacemaker check.

The main problem for the manufacturers though is the time it takes to get FDA approval. It can take a year or more for a simple modification.

frank

Great news!

by Angrevwilliams - 2011-01-13 07:01:56

That's great news- every other month that's my biggest problem- where can I find a landline... If you ask at various places most people are happy to help. (I once used the fax machine at my library).

I brought this up at my last doctor's office appointment and he told me about a similar thing- he said there will be a monitor that you can place anywhere in your house (he thought the nightstand in your bedroom would be the best place) and it will constantly pick up on your pacemaker- and will only transmit IF there is an issue... It think this will be a major relief- I don't know about you guys but I sometimes find myself checking my pulse in the night thinking I feel "funny". I forget which brand of pacemaker will have this new system, I currently use Medtronic and I don't believe it was with Medtronic. So ask your Doctor... technology sure is changing :)

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As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.