Medtronic
 
 

Medtronic
CareLink® Network
patient testimonial

"There is absolutely no downside to remote monitoring with the Medtronic CareLink Monitor."
 
ICD and Remote Monitoring Technologies Keep Semi-Retired Physician on the Golf Course

The news that he needed an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) reached him on the golf course via cell phone in November of 2000. That’s where Dr. Paul Zanetti, officially “retired” since July 2000 from a distinguished 30-year career as a neurosurgeon, prefers to spend his time. Another important part of his life is his part-time work as a medical consultant and researcher. Dr. Zanetti has lived in Corpus Christi, Texas with his wife Carole since 1972, after completing medical school in his native Michigan and his residency in neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh.

After a heart attack in 1995 at age 55, Dr. Zanetti needed double bypass surgery, a treatment option, he explained, “definitely not available when I started out in cardio-thoracic surgery as a resident.” Five years after the heart attack, an event monitor he wore for three days helped diagnose life-threatening episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT), which Dr. Zanetti had been experiencing as “unusual episodes of fatigue and a run-down feeling” since mid-2000. On November 3, 2000, he received a Medtronic GEM® II DR ICD, a device that paces his heart or delivers therapeutic shocks to restore his heart to a normal rhythm. “I’m in love with this machine, this technology keeps me around,” said Dr. Zanetti. Since the implant, his ICD has delivered therapeutic shocks on two occasions, one not surprisingly on the golf course. He remembers how worried his golf buddies were when the therapy delivered by the device caused him to briefly fall down on the green. Dr. Zanetti reassured them that he was fine precisely because the device had delivered therapy to disrupt a lifethreatening episode of VT.

In May of 2003, Dr. Hans Moore, his electrophysiologist from Cardiology Associates of Corpus Christi (CACC), prescribed Dr. Zanetti the Medtronic CareLink® Network, an Internet-based remote monitoring service for Medtronic cardiac device patients. Using the portable Medtronic CareLink Monitor, he can transmit his device data at the clinic’s directive via a standard phone line, either from home or while he travels. Clinic staff download and interpret the reports via the Internet and advise him promptly if further action is needed, or if all is well.

Currently, Dr. Zanetti follows a schedule of two in-office check-ups a year, along with monthly remote interrogations with the Medtronic CareLink Monitor, until his medications can be adjusted appropriately. “There is absolutely no downside to remote monitoring with the Medtronic CareLink Monitor,” said Dr. Zanetti. “Once a month I spend three to five minutes transmitting my device data, which is extremely easy. When I travel, the small monitor adds only about a pound or two to my bag. Above all, it gives me great peace of mind to have ready access to care by my clinic, no matter where I am. No waiting at the doctor’s office, no worry about how I can get to the office, or even to an emergency room, while I’m in a different city. It’s like a security blanket.”

This story recounts the experience of a patient who is using the Medtronic CareLink Monitor for remote device follow-up. Medtronic, Inc. invited him to share this story cordially. Please bear in mind that this experience is specific to this patient. Results vary, not every response is the same.

What is the Medtronic CareLink® Network?

The Medtronic CareLink Network is the first and only Internet-based remote monitoring service for patients with implanted cardiac devices that is comparable to an in-office check. Patients send their device data from the comfort of their homes, and their clinicians access it using the Internet. The service allows clinicians to improve clinic operations and provide patients with better care, more conveniently.

 

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