RESULTS Device diagnostics showed strong correlation with established HF biomarkers and hemodynamic measures .
The findings from this review indicate that device diagnostic parameters predict impending HF much earlier than traditional methods of monitoring do .
Device diagnostics are also more accurate in the early prediction of HF when compared with noninvasive objective measures , particularly when multiple parameters are combined and monitored for trends .
Device diagnostics possess a distinct advantage over traditional methods of monitoring for HF because they allow clinicians to remotely monitor the status of their HF patients without relying on patient compliance for data entry and reporting .
Studies regarding the efficacy of device diagnostic parameters suggest that their integration into clinical practice will provide a more accurate and reliable mechanism for assisting clinicians in risk stratifying and predicting potential episodes of decompensated HF
BACKGROUND Traditional methods of heart failure ( HF ) management are based on reactive strategies to treat late indicators of decompensated HF .
Advances in monitoring methods have become available with the evolution of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac-resynchronization therapy devices .
These devices provide new diagnostic data and remote monitoring capabilities that allow clinicians to proactively monitor patients for earlier signs of worsening HF .
The integration of data obtained from implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and cardiac-resynchronization therapy technology could improve outpatient HF care , potentially leading to decreased readmission rates and improved patient outcomes .
OBJECTIVE This review will synthesize the literature regarding the efficacy of device diagnostic data and the usability of the data in the clinical setting .
Remote monitoring of patients with biventricular defibrillators through the CareLink system improves clinical management of arrhythmias and heart failure episodes
Purpose The aim of the present study is to evaluate if remote monitoring with the CareLink Network may improve clinical management of tachyarrhythmias and heart failure episodes in patients treated with biventricular defibrillators ( CRT-D ) .  Methods Patients implanted with CRT-D for more than 6 months received the CareLink monitor and were trained to perform device interrogation . At-home transmissions were scheduled at 2 weeks , 1 and 2 months after training , with a final in-office visit after 3 months . Results Sixty-seven patients performed 264 data transmissions . Twenty-three unscheduled data transmissions were requested by the centers after patient contact . Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were reported in nine patients during 16 data review s. Thirteen data review s ( 81 % ) were performed remotely via CareLink transmissions ( nine scheduled and four unscheduled ) , in seven patients . Of these events , in two cases ( 15 % ) in-hospital visits were requested , while in 11 ( 85 % ) no action was needed and no additional in-clinic visits were scheduled . During the study period , in 20/28 ( 71 % ) intra-thoracic impedance alerts , the patients remotely transmitted their device data . After remote data review , in ten cases drug therapy was adjusted by phone and in four cases no action was needed and the patient reassured . In six episodes an in-hospital extra visit was scheduled . On the whole , in 14 cases ( 70 % ) , the patient could be managed remotely avoiding a visit to the hospital . Conclusions Our study showed that remote follow-up is an efficient method to manage tachyarrhythmias and heart failure episodes in  CRT-D patients . Early reaction to clinical events may improve overall patient care
RESULTS Device diagnostics showed strong correlation with established HF biomarkers and hemodynamic measures .
The findings from this review indicate that device diagnostic parameters predict impending HF much earlier than traditional methods of monitoring do .
Device diagnostics are also more accurate in the early prediction of HF when compared with noninvasive objective measures , particularly when multiple parameters are combined and monitored for trends .
Device diagnostics possess a distinct advantage over traditional methods of monitoring for HF because they allow clinicians to remotely monitor the status of their HF patients without relying on patient compliance for data entry and reporting .
Studies regarding the efficacy of device diagnostic parameters suggest that their integration into clinical practice will provide a more accurate and reliable mechanism for assisting clinicians in risk stratifying and predicting potential episodes of decompensated HF
BACKGROUND Traditional methods of heart failure ( HF ) management are based on reactive strategies to treat late indicators of decompensated HF .
Advances in monitoring methods have become available with the evolution of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac-resynchronization therapy devices .
These devices provide new diagnostic data and remote monitoring capabilities that allow clinicians to proactively monitor patients for earlier signs of worsening HF .
The integration of data obtained from implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and cardiac-resynchronization therapy technology could improve outpatient HF care , potentially leading to decreased readmission rates and improved patient outcomes .
OBJECTIVE This review will synthesize the literature regarding the efficacy of device diagnostic data and the usability of the data in the clinical setting .