A method of computer-assisted pacemaker surveillance from a patient's home via telephone

A system is described for remote computer-assisted surveillance of implanted pacemakers from a patient's home. Using an inexpensive, portable, frequency-modulated transmitter, a patient's electrocardiogram is sent over voice-grade telephone lines to any cardiology clinic. The signal can be demodulated and the pacemaker spike plus electrocardiogram recorded on paper for visual review by the physician. The modulated signal is further transmitted to a remote on-line computer system. The computer calculates the spike-spike interval to approximately five millisecond precision, stores pacemaker information and other patient data on disk, and displays calculated results on a cathode ray screen in the cardiology clinic. The cardiologist can immediately review past and present pacemaker function, patient medications, and other pertinent data from the computer terminal. If further medical action is warranted, the patient can be immediately advised.