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Maryland Heart Center

Electrophysiology Lab

UMMC's Heart and Heart Surgery Program ranked as one of the nation's 50 best by U.S. News & World Report's 2011 "Best Hospitals" survey.

Remote Monitoring Instructions

If you have an Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker you may be interested in remote follow up. Remote monitoring of your cardiac device allows you to do some of your device follow up visits from home. It can also allow the doctors to trouble shoot if some issues you may encounter and help you avoid extra visits or ER visits. Some people find it very convenient others prefer to continue with clinic visits.

At the University of Maryland Medical Center we implant cardiac devices manufactured by three companies: Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and St. Jude Medical. The equipment you receive will vary depending on which brand your particular device is:

Device Manufacturer / Monitoring Equipment

Boston Scientific / Latitude

Medtronic / Carelink

St. Jude Medical / Merlin

The equipment is very easy to use. All three companies send a DVD and booklet that explains how to set up your monitor. They also provide a toll free number in case you still have questions after watching the video.

To participate in this form of follow up you must have a land telephone line.

If you are interested in remote follow up ask one of the EP doctors or nurses about it next time you are in clinic. They will make sure the enrollment process is started. Once you are enrolled you will receive a letter from us.

You will receive the monitor by mail. When it arrives, open the box and watch the video that is included with the monitor. After you have set up the monitor contact us and do an initial interrogation. This will ensure that your monitor is transmitting correctly. If you have trouble with the set up contact Didi Vogel, R.N. or Tanya Mack, R.N. at 410-328-6056.

We will still check your ICD every 3 months but you will only visit clinic every 6 months. The other 2 visits will be done from your home. We will contact you by mail to remind you when your remote visit is due.

If you receive a shock or have concerns between clinic visits please contact us at 410-328-6056 before you transmit. We will not know if you have sent a transmission unless you contact us. If you initiate a transmission before contacting the EP physician on call it MAY NOT be reviewed by the doctor.

This service is meant to save you time. If you find you prefer having your ICD checked at the clinic you may resume that method of follow up at any time. We hope that you find this service convenient. Please contact Didi Vogel, R.N or Tanya Mack, R.N. if you have any questions.

Please call if you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services. Patients dial 1-866-408-6885, physicians dial 410-328-6622 or 1-800-318-1019.

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Physician Referral: 1.800.373.4111