BS RAWAT
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, the hospital said in a statement.

Dr. Viveka Kumar, Principal Director-Cardiac Sciences, said, “The reason why we decided to go ahead with a  Bluetooth enabled 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.”

Dr Kumar stated, “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.”

“Bluetooth pacemaker is 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,” he added.

According to Dr Kumar this Bluetooth pacemaker has been enabled, for the very first time, to automatically and securely communicate with smartphones and tablets.