Medtronic's Physiologist

reps?

by Tracey_E - 2017-06-05 09:18:15

The manufacturers all have reps. Some doctor's offices use these reps to do the checks, some offices have nurses trained in house to do it, some doctors do it themselves. I've never heard of any other type of specialist or physiologist.

My old doctor had the rep do the checks then he reviewed the reports. My new one is in the room with the rep and they do it together. He's much more hands on than the old one. Btw, it's the same guy with both doctors. I've had the same SJM rep since I got my first pacer in 1994, through three cardiologists. Medtronics works similarly. 

fingers in the pie

by The real Patch - 2017-06-05 13:54:40

here stateside it is quite common for a manufacturer's rep (usually engineers) to perform the interrogations and adjustments to these devices. They are highly proficient in these devices and know how to optimize them for each individual. In my case a nurse practioner handles those functions. It is highly unusual for the doctor to perform interrogations or device adjustments. As for frequency, that is dependent on your specific condition and needs. After the first year a check is usually performed once every 6 months or even once a year. I have a CRT-D with lots going on so they see me every 3 months to do a data dump and check, but that's unusual.

You shouldn't need to track a manufacturer's rep down, they usually lurk at the doctors office and unless someone tells you, you might not even realize they aren't part of the staff.

Pacer Checks

by aussieray - 2017-06-06 06:27:57

I don't have a Medtronic pacer, but I do have a St.Jude and over here in Australia, every 6 months I have that pacer interrogated by a technician from St.Jude in conjunction with my 6 monthly checkup with my cardiologist. It costs me nothing and is part of the deal when you have a pacemaker fitted. Each time I attend, which is usually a Friday, the cardios staff organise every one with a St.Jude pacer who is scheduled for a visit, to turn up on that day where the pacemaker is 'read' and any adjustments to settings are done in conjunction with the cardiologist who is usually present. The pacer records a lot of information that they go back over looking for signs of fast heart rates, afib etc. a very handy inbuilt recorder. Surely in America they have the same??? I have seen Medtronic techs at these clinics as well. Do some checking with your cardiologist or Medtronic.

Remote pm checks

by Doodlemom - 2017-06-06 09:40:24

i am 12 days post pm. I have a Medtronic pm and will be monitored remotely with a nifty device I keep at my bedside. I believe every 3 months it runs a strip and is sent to my cardiologist and EP for review. .