Transtelephonic interrogation of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Third generation implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have extensive memory capability to store data about the patient's arrhythmias and the effect of therapies delivered by the ICD. However, this data has so far been accessible only when the patient attends the pacing clinic. Two Medtronic 9421 PCD TeletraceR transmitters have been used to interrogate Medtronic 7216A and 7217B PCD S at distances of up to 300 miles from our hospital and transmit the data to a 9420 PCD TeletraceR receiver. Successful transmission of data has been obtained on 50 occasions with 100% data concordance with repeat transmission. The system can reduce the number of unscheduled clinic visits, reduce delay in making a diagnosis following unexpected delivery of a shock therapy, and reassure patients about to be discharged following ICD implantation. The benefits are magnified where patients reside far away from the implanting center.