Florida Hospital Lets Cardiac Patients "Go Wireless"

Florida Hospital Tests New Technology That Lets Cardiac Patients "Go Wireless"

Wireless leads allow for mobility, increased comfort and reduced chance for infection

ORLANDO, Fla., May 26, 2009 - Before the days of cell and cordless phones, to have a phone conversation, you were tied to the wall by a cord.  Today, portable telephones make talking on the go much easier. It is a similar freedom Florida Hospital cardiovascular patients are now experiencing.  They are able to walk around after surgery without being tied to a wall.  Florida Hospital is the first in Central Florida to use this disposable-wireless lead technology.

Cardiac patients are constantly monitored with devices that stick to their chests called "leads."  They are used to track the heartbeat and weakness that may occur in certain parts of the heart.  Normally, these leads keep patients tied to their beds, unable to move around easily, so they can be constantly monitored.

Now that is changing.  Florida Hospital has been testing wireless leads from LifeSync Corporation.  Not only are the leads cordless, they are disposable so they are more comfortable for patients who have large incisions on their chests from open heart surgery.  The wireless leads even stay on during x-rays.  There is a reduced chance of infection because the wireless leads are not reused and don't have to constantly be taken on and off. 

"This particular product goes on the patient in the operating room and stays on the entire time the patient is in the hospital," said cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Kevin Accola.  "When the patient is discharged the leads are actually discarded."

Thomas Ford is getting ready to leave the hospital after having open heart surgery four days ago. 

"The wireless leads are great," Thomas said.  "They are small, they don't fall off and I don't have all those wires getting tangled up when I am trying to sleep."

For more information, contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407-303-8217. 

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