World’s First WiFi Pacemaker

A woman in New York recently received the world’s first pacemaker that can be monitored wirelessly and then accessed remotely by her doctor.  Beyond simple tracking, if serious abnormalities develop the device will actually phone the physician for immediate attention.

The new device automates many of the tests for patents with pacemakers, and in doing so, speeds up the health care process.  For the 3 million people with pacemakers around the world, this development would make monitoring their condition incredibly efficient, and could likely save lives.  The technology received FDA approval in June and will hopefully become commonplace in newer pacemaker operations.

Reuters recently interviewed the doctor and patient about her new device,

“On a larger scale it enhances our ability to pick up and evaluate any problems with their pacemaker and certain other rhythm disorders that could be potentially dangerous or life threatening in ways we really could not do before.”

Kasyjanski, an account clerk, said it was frightening initially to be the first American patient to be implanted with the device but her fears have slowly been replaced by a sense of relief, knowing that her heart is under constant surveillance.

Reuters: “First Wi-Fi pacemaker in US gives patient freedom”

[via Engadget]