new Boston Scientific PM

I am scheduled to have a pacemaker replacement next Thursday. I received my Boston Scientific PM 6 years ago. I visited the surgeon on last Friday and she said that the replacement will be a new model just out last year. It is Wi Fi capable and will be larger and a more oval shape than my present model. I have looked for info on this on line and the advantages seem to be for tracking and keeping a record for the medical staff but I was wondering if any of you had experience or knowledge re the advantages for the patient. I am not sure that I will have any say so in the decision but I do want to understand the issue better. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bonnie

2 Comments

Computer industry fast moving

by Theknotguy - 2014-01-05 03:01:43

Part of the problem with the computer industry, miniaturization, and medical advances is that they don't know what they don't know. The idea of holding something in your hand that has more computing power than older, bigger computers, that can serve as a timepiece, calendar, GPS, gaming device, telephone, and just about anything else you can think of seems like science fiction to those of us who grew up before the transistor age.

Having said that, they can't really predict what you'll be able to do with the WiFi. I just purchased a printer that is WiFi capable and you can e-mail and print to it from anywhere in the world. All I have to do is give you an address. Putting that in reverse:

Imagine either your doctor's office or the hospital being able to contact you on your smart phone to tell you to get to the hospital because your PM has seen something that isn't right.

Imagine being called to tell you they are going to upgrade the software on your PM because they've seen a problem. But the new software will take care of the problem. No need to go immediately to a doctor's office or hospital. Just get to a place where you can rest comfortably until the upgrade is done.

Imagine not having to go into the PM tech office because they can get the stats from your PM as you're sitting at home - or you're sitting on the deck of the cruise ship, in an airport, at your office, at another home, etc.

Imagine feeling your heart skip a beat, pull out your smart phone and get an instant reading to see if there is a problem.

Imagine passing out and having the EMT's being summoned, being able to find you from GPS coordinates, retrieving an EKG, and having a good idea of what the problem is before they even arrive at your location.

Imagine, with the WiFi, you can be anywhere in the world where there is Internet communication and be able to have your doctor review your situation immediately. No longer do you have to be tied to his office, the USA, or a local hospital.

Imagine, having a problem and your PM can send an EKG, current results, current medical condition to the nearest heart hospital through your smart phone. Then be able to find the hospital via a GPS app on the phone. When you arrive at the hospital a team is waiting with current medical information and current medical solutions.

All of the above is possible with the WiFi and new technology that is coming in the near future. Will it get here quickly? Who knows, but we can remain hopeful. So even though you feel this is an enhancement and convenience more for your doctor than yourself, that might not be the case.

I live in an area where there was a lot of computer enhancements and Internet communication. I collapsed on a hiking trail. By the time the EMT's got to the hospital an EKG has been transmitted ahead, a team assembled, my doctor notified, my medical records found, and my wife called. They even switched hospitals in route because it was determined the closest hospital would be able to take care of me. This is pre-WiFi - imagine how much better it will be with WiFi enabled!

Theknotguy

good input!

by bonniefox - 2014-01-05 06:01:46

I am of pre transistor age and quite technologically challenged. So I was very wary of the Wi Fi issue but you do make some good points.
Thanks for your input.
Bonnie

You know you're wired when...

Lifetime warranty no longer gives peace of mind.

Member Quotes

Since I got my pacemaker, I don't pass out anymore! That's a blessing in itself.