Remote patient monitoring is a broad term that covers a range of more specific telemedicine applications. We’ve written about remote monitoring to support physical rehab for discharged patients, postpartum checkups, and for working with patients with specific diseases such as cystic fibrosis. San Jose-based VitalConnect, a remote and in-hospital wearable biosensor technology company, recently announced the launch of a clinical study of the impact of remote monitoring with patients following a certain heart procedure (transcatheter aortic valve replacement: TAVR).
VitalConnect will monitor TAVR patients with VistaSolution Live, the company’s latest technology. VistaSolution LIVE has three components: a wireless patch, a purpose-built tablet, and a data monitoring platform. The VitalPatch TRM is a disposable wireless patch that can monitor ECG, vital signs, and 19 types of arrhythmias, according to the company. The VistaTablet transmits data from the patch to the cloud. VistaCenter is a cloud-based interface and analysis platform.
VitalConnect will conduct the study with TAVR patients to measure patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and hospital readmission rates. Prior studies identified arrhythmia as a significant factor in TAVR procedure readmissions. VitalConnect hopes to show that remote monitoring with VistaSolution LIVE can improve clinical outcomes by detecting early signs of problems that will result in more timely intervention.
The TELESTAR-TAVR study will include 100 patients who were discharged within 24 hours of their TAVR procedure. A control group of 50 patients will receive standard care and the remaining 50 patients in the treatment group will be outfitted with the VistaSolution LIVE. Patients will connect with their physicians remotely via video at seven, 14, and 21 days and in person 30 days after discharge. VitalConnect expects to have initial results after six months and final results for the study after 12 months.
Each step forward in remote monitoring technology and applications has the potential for significant improvements in overall medical care. We look forward to reading the results of this important study.
