Association of Telemonitoring With Hospitalization Rates and Quality of Life in Patients With End-stage Heart Failure and Implanted Left Ventricular Cardiac Assist Devices

The current study aims to investigate whether telemedical monitoring in patients with terminal heart failure and an implanted left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has an influence on LVAD-associated complications, hospitalization rates and quality of life. This is a prospective observational study. Patients with terminal heart failure and an implanted LVAD, where the indication for telemonitoring has already been stated by the attending physician are included in the study. Written informed consent is obtained from all patients. The telemedical monitoring is carried out by the West German Center for Applied Telemedicine (WZAT) and includes a standardized telephone interview every 3 days. In addition, all patients are equipped with an INR measuring device, a body scale and a clinical thermometer by WZAT. The data is documented in an electronic case file (medPower®). In the event of abnormalities, the West German Heart and Vascular Center (WHGZ) is contacted, and all necessary measures are initiated.