Now, a device to monitor your heart!

The device, when implanted in a patient suffering from heart-related problems, not only monitors the heart but also helps restore heart rhythms.

A 19-year-old patient from Mauritius, with an enlarged heart became the first patient to be implanted with the device. The procedure was conducted at the Manipal Hospital here recently.

Persons diagnosed with sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) condition are fitted with the device (Shock only device) which restores normal heart rhythm by electrical shock or the cardiac resynchronization therapy device and defibrillator (CRT-D). This is basically AICD combined with cardiac resynchronization therapy or CRT.  (Shock + Heart function improvement device).

With the help of mobile connectivity, frequent hospital visits can be avoided and doctors can monitor their patient with the signals given by the patient’s mobile phone connected to the device. “Generally such devices need close monitoring on a regular basis, which necessitates frequent visits by the patient to the treating cardiologist. But with this new device (AICD), the patient can be anywhere in the world and still be safe and within the doctors reach, because of the home-monitoring device,” said Dr Shashidhar, consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist at Manipal Hospital.