BACKGROUND

The transmission of an ECG via the phone has been used for some time in human medicine. Areas of special interest, such as cardiology are developing rapidly in veterinary medicine. However it is important that those in general practice should be able to make rapid and easy use of the information gained by special interest groups.The telephone is a useful means of transmitting cardiological data.

It must be emphasised that the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease depends on a multifaceted approach by the clinician. The recommended treatment based on the medical history and ECG is part of this approach to heart disease.

Andrew Carmichael qualified at Cambridge in 1963 and went to the Animal Medical Center, New York in 1966 where he supervised the cardiopulmonary research laboratory and department of anaesthesia working in the area of cardiac catheterisation and bypass surgery.

He returned to London and general practice in 1972 and established Cardiophone in 1983

He is a founder member of:

The American Academy of Cardiology
The Veterinary Cardiovascular Society
The European Society of Cardiology

CARDIOPHONE - HOW IT WORKS

You buy a small battery operated three lead ECG transmitter. The leads are attached to the animals limbs via alligator clips. When switched on the transmitter produces a pulsing sound, syncronous with the ECG. Leads l, ll, lll can be produced in this way.

The Cardiophone number in London is called and the owner, and patient details and medical history are given via a questionaire. Alternatively this information can be faxed on the questionaire form.

The pulse sounds from the transmitter are then transmitted via th mouthpiece of the phone to a receiver in the Cardiophone office.

The receiver prints out a tracing of leads l, ll, lll which can then be analysed. An interpretation of the ECG and suggested treatment are then phoned or faxed back to the sender, usually the same day or at the latest the next day. A copy is posted for confirmation.

THE BENEFITS

1. Obtain good ECGs in your own office quickly without effort, expense or expertise

2. Obtain an ECG interpretation, and treatment recommendation quickly and have the opportunity to discuss the case.

3. Give your client a first rate cardiology service immediately in your own office.

4. Enable your client to obtain a second opinion without moving from your office.

5. Start to diagnose and treat positively and rationally those vague cardio-pulmonary-syncope cases.

6. Check those poor risk preoperative cases.

7. Develop your own interest in cardiology.

PRICES (Excluding VAT)