In-home, or remote monitoring is a new concept for many people who have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D.) We have provided a list of commonly asked questions for your reference. For help with any other LATITUDE-related topics, please call our live, toll-free LATITUDE Patient Support Hotline at 1.866.484.3268.

General system questions:

What is the LATITUDE® Patient Management system and how does it work?

The LATITUDE Patient Management system is a remote monitoring system that provides specific device data to both clinicians and cardiac device patients. The LATITUDE Patient Management system enables doctors to monitor both heart health and specific device information remotely and automatically with the wireless Communicator and remotely with patient interaction with the wanded Communicator.

Will I feel anything?

You won't feel a thing when your device is being checked or while the information is being sent to your clinic staff. The Communicator only reads information from your device, and cannot change your device settings, so don't worry about pushing the wrong button.

How do I know that my doctor has received my information?

After information is successfully sent from the Communicator to the secure LATITUDE server, your doctor can then view your readings on the website. If you have further questions about how often your doctor reviews your information, talk to your doctor.

Can I view when my last transmission was?

Yes. Select "View Latest Readings" from the "Options Menu" screen. This will display the date and time your implanted device was last interrogated. It also displays the date and time when you last answered the health related questions and the measured values of the latest weight and blood pressure readings, if your physician has ordered those for you.

Set-up questions:

What if I only have a cell phone?

Currently, the Communicator is not compatible with cell phone technology. The Communicator is designed to operate on a standard analog phone line.

Will the system interfere with my phone/internet/DSL service?

If you have other telephone equipment (including fax machine, answering system, or computer modem) connected to the same phone line and the line is in use, the Communicator will wait and attempt to place a call later. If you pick up the phone while the Communicator is using the telephone line, the Communicator will disconnect and a dial tone will be restored. The Communicator will attempt to reconnect later. The Communicator will work with a DSL line, if you have a DSL filter.

What if I get a phone call while my Communicator is transmitting my information?

The caller will receive a busy signal. If the Communicator is in the process of calling or communicating with the server and an outside call comes into the patient's home, the Communicator will not stop to let the incoming call come through.

What if the electrical power is interrupted?

The Communicator has internal memory that stores your data in case the electrical power is interrupted or the power adapter is unplugged. A message appears when the power is restored to the Communicator asking if you want to check the installation. Select "No" if the communicator wasn't unplugged. Select "Yes" if the communicator has been unplugged and follow the check installation instructions.

How long will the transmission take?

The first remote monitoring session may take a few minutes— especially the first time the Communicator interrogates your implanted device. After the first interrogation, however, remote monitoring, on average, typically takes 10 to 15 seconds, but may take longer if additional information needs to be collected.

Travel questions:

Can I travel with my Communicator? Do I have to take it with me?

You can use your Communicator away from home if you will be gone for an extended period (within the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii). However, whenever you travel for an extended period of time, with or without your Communicator, you should consult your doctor before planning to do so.

Can I use the Communicator on a cruise?

The Communicator is not designed to work over a phone line that uses mobile phone technology, such as that on a cruise. The Communicator is designed to work over a standard analog phone line.