Virtual monitoring matches clinic care for heart-device patients
A virtual e-health system (VIRTUES) was as safe and effective as standard care for monitoring the function of cardiac implantable electronic devices, with the benefits of cost savings and patient satisfaction. These were the main findings of the VIRTUES trials presented in a Hot Line session at ESC Congress 2026.
A virtual e-health system, known as VIRTUES, demonstrated equivalent safety and effectiveness to traditional clinic care in monitoring cardiac implantable electronic devices, such as pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). This conclusion stems from the VIRTUES trials reported at the ESC Congress 2026. The increasing use of these devices, particularly due to broader indications and an aging population, necessitates regular monitoring, which can be burdensome for patients and healthcare systems.
The VIRTUES system employs transmission reports from patients' implanted devices to physicians for review, followed by messages to patients regarding device performance. The trials, conducted at 13 Canadian centers, involved 1,115 patients, with half receiving the VIRTUES platform and the other half standard care. Both trial arms found the VIRTUES system to be noninferior in terms of safety and efficacy, with cost savings of approximately CAD$77 per patient, primarily due to fewer clinic visits.
Patients expressed strong support for the VIRTUES system, valuing the sense of control and reduced clinic burden.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
