New York woman receives 1st Internet-connected pacemaker

Steven Greenberg, M.D., a cardiologist at St. Francis Hospital’s Arrhythmia and Pacemaker Center was the first physician in the U.S. to implant the AccentTM RF pacemaker.

The hospital's release reports the high-tech device was manufactured by St. Jude Medical, Inc. Carol Kasyjanski, an account clerk for the City of Glen Cove, was the first person to receive the device. “It helps me rest easier knowing that if there are any sudden changes in my condition the wireless monitor on my night table will let me and my doctor know,” says Carol who finds the monitor very simple to use. “I am considering bringing it with me on my next vacation.” The device has remote monitoring capabilities which allow doctors to more efficiently follow patients, while patients enjoy the convenience of care from home. “Wireless communication is used everywhere today. Now, it can help us provide round-the-clock care for our patients through a secure notification system that can be programmed to meet a patient’s specific needs,” says Greenberg. “Rather than checking on a device a few times a year, daily alerts allow me to know about important changes in my patient’s condition or device functions so I can act more quickly in addressing any issues.” A physician is automatically alerted when a rapid atrial rate, atrial tachycardia or atrial fibrillation exceeds the programmed value of the pacemaker or occurs over an extended period of time. Programming can enable a patient to be also notified of such episodes, as well as device and lead-related issues, through a two-tone audible alert. In addition, the patient’s clinic can be informed through the home monitoring system. Dr. Steven Greenberg from St. Francis' Arrhythmia and Pacemaker Center said, "If there is anything abnormal, and we have a very intricate system set up, it will literally call the physician responsible at two in the morning if need be." DailyTech reported using the wireless pacemaker allows about 90% of the routine work during an office visit to be completed before the patient arrives. This allows the doctor more time to focus on the patient rather than ordering and getting tests done.