• Unlike the conventional pacemaker, this advanced technology helps in giving access to critical information anytime, anywhere.
• This novel pacemaker is a breakthrough concept as it allows remote monitoring which has proven to be resulting in higher survival rates

In a first in India, doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, gave a septuagenarian a new lease of life by implanting a Bluetooth enabled pacemaker. Unlike the conventional pacemaker, this advanced technology helps in giving access to critical information anytime, anywhere. 

The patient, Ram Kali Devi, a resident of Delhi, had been admitted to the hospital last month complaining of hypertension and fainting spells that had only intensified over the last few weeks. Her coronary angiography revealed single vessel disease due to which she had to undergo dual chamber permanent pacemaker implantation which was done in the same sitting.

Says the attending Cardiologist, Dr. Viveka Kumar, Principal Director & Chief of Cath Labs (Pan Max), Cardiac Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, “The reason why we decided to go ahead with a  Bluetooth enabled pacemaker was the fact that the patient, at her age and health condition, would not have to keep coming back to us for physical follow-ups as its BlueSync technology allows for tablet-based programming and app-based remote monitoring. Also, despite being so technologically advanced, its battery lasts 14 years. It was the perfect fit for Ms. Devi as these are already troubled times and we wanted that she can be at her home comfortably, without the botheration of coming to us every now and then.”

The reason why Max Healthcare are opting for this novel pacemaker, is that this is truly a breakthrough concept as it allows remote monitoring which has proven to be resulting in higher survival rates, reduced visits to the hospital and even reduced length of hospital stay. Patients can simply use their smartphones to transfer heart device data via the app, even outside the home, replacing the bedside monitor and can even view select pacemaker data including model name and battery longevity. The use of Bluetooth Low Energy is designed to minimize battery drain of this first ever FDA approved pacemaker and automatic notifications keep patients informed of the pulse transmission status.

Adds Dr. Viveka Kumar, “Bluetooth pacemaker is the next big thing in the field of heart surgeries and pacemakers. Traditional pacemakers had a lot of issues with them especially since the patient had to frequently visit the doctor to get it checked. However, Bluetooth enabled pacemakers are bringing a whole new world to the doctors as well patients. They are quick in detecting and reducing cardiac arrhythmia thereby providing patients with the highest standard of medical care. With these pacemakers, the follow-up time is faster as there are fewer in-office visits and improved connectivity and support. It also allows doctors the option to control max atrioventricular interval as notifications can be programmed and viewed only by the clinicians such as AT/AF burden notifications, lead impedance and rapid heartbeat episodes. Its PR Logic Algorithms help in accurate AF detection by reducing AT/AF false positives while its reactive ATP reduces progression of AF thereby reducing risk of persistent AF.”

This Bluetooth pacemaker has been enabled, for the very first time, to automatically and securely communicate with smartphones and tablets. Due to its High-Density Integrated Circuit, it reduces current drain, hence increasing longevity and is upgradeable throughout the lifetime of the device. The adoption of this unique technology seems particularly well-suited to the Indian market as recent studies reveal that almost 503million Indians own a smartphone and 90% of internet data usage is only on smartphones. Also, India Ranks amongst top 5 for health-related searches. Patient monitoring, even outside the home, helps deliver quality of care and push notifications help patients stay connected, transmit on time, and verify that transmissions were sent.