At McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center
Cardiologist Jay Chappell Is First in Area to Implant New Wireless Pacemaker
On October 5, 2009, at McKenzie-Willamette Heart Center, Jay Chappell, M.D., of Oregon Cardiology was the first Cardiologist in the area to implant a pacemaker equipped with wireless technology that can notify physicians of changes in their patient’s device or condition. This technology is designed to improve patient care and make device follow-up more efficient and convenient for both patients and physicians. This new pacemaker offers automatic test results and complete diagnostics that can be accessed by wireless communication in a clinic or from the patient’s home.
Dr. Chappell, who is also Medical Director of the McKenzie-Willamette Heart Center, implanted the device to monitor patient R. Chuzas’ heart and provide electronic stimulation if the heart beats too slowly. “I am very pleased to offer this new technology to Mr. Chuzas and other patients at the Heart Center at McKenzie-Willamette.”
The wireless pacemaker enables Dr. Chappell to monitor his patient’s device remotely. On pre-scheduled check-up dates while the patient is sleeping, data from the pacemaker is wirelessly sent to the physician’s office. The information becomes available to the physician for viewing via a secured and password protected closed network.
In addition to regular device follow-up appointments, the wireless communication also enables the device to automatically alert the physician to important changes with the device or the patient’s heart rhythm, in between scheduled device checks.
“I am looking forward to getting back to a more active life style.” Says Chuzas, “I feel confident that this new technology will let Dr. Chappell know if I have any episodes.”
The closed network also allows physicians to compile a more complete patient record, by easily transferring cardiac device data into electronic health records. This allows the physician to view all patient information side-by-side in a secure, easy to access location.
Background
FOR ACCENT RF IMPLANTS: Cardiac pacemakers are used to treat bradycardia, which is a heart rate that is too slow. These devices monitor the heart and provide electrical stimulation when the heart beats too slowly for each patient's specific physiological requirements.
FOR ANTHEM RF IMPLANTS: A Pacemaker implanted for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is used to coordinate your heart's four chambers to act together as a team, making them pump blood more efficiently. Studies have shown that CRT can improve the quality of life for many patients with heart failure, a progressive condition in which the heart weakens and loses its ability to pump an adequate supply of blood. An estimated 5 million Americans suffer from heart failure, with 550,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
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