12-Lead Remote ECG Monitoring in Follow-Up of Pulmonary Vein Ablation

Aim to assess usefulness of a 12-lead remote ECG monitoring system (12LRECG) in the follow-up of pts after pulmonary vein ablation (PVA) for atrial fibrillation (AF).
Method 5 consecutive pts (4 M, age 52±13 yrs) who underwent PVA for recurrent, drug refractory AF. Four pts with idiopathic AF, one with postsurgical AF for atrial septal defect closure. The 12LRECG is a portable recording device (Aerotel, Heart View 12), transtelephonically downloadable through a call center (Tesan, Vicenza) to a server (Globalcardio), accessible via Internet to authorized personnel. The pts recorded an ECG every day for 40 days after discharge, and in case of palpitations.
Results 222 ECG were recorded, all of good quality. AF was documented in 3/5 pts. Pt 1, in a single 12LRECG, with spontaneous sinus rhythm restoration. Pt 2, recurrence of asymptomatic persistent AF preceded by atrial bigeminism from the right superior pulmonary vein. Pt 3, with postsurgical AF, multiple recurrences of paroxysmal AF with few symptoms.
Conclusions The 12LRECG is a useful system for the follow-up of pts after PVA, easy to use and with a quality good enough in discriminating arrhythmia morphology.