SETTING UP YOUR MERLIN@HOME™ TRANSMITTER FOR REMOTE HEART MONITORING
Setting up a transmitter as part of your remote heart monitoring system for your implantable cardiac device is a very simple process. And it is well worth the small amount of time it takes, since remote monitoring:
- Provides you with time to get out and enjoy all that you would like to do, since it means that you may have fewer in-person clinic visits for a device check.1
- Provides you with better outcomes and fewer problems often associated with having a cardiac rhythm disorder.2
Learn more about remote monitoring.
YOUR MERLIN@HOME™ TRANSMITTER
Your Merlin@home™ transmitter comes with the equipment you need and a quick-start guide that will lead you through the setup process. Also be sure to follow any setup instructions your doctor gives you.
WHEN YOU HAVE A TRADITIONAL TELEPHONE LANDLINE
The process is simple:
- Place your transmitter on a sturdy flat surface next to your bed and near a phone jack and an electrical outlet.
- Angle the transmitter so it faces where you lie on your bed.
- Insert the transmitter’s phone cord splitter into the available phone jack.
- Plug the transmitter’s power cord into the electrical outlet.
- The transmitter will then begin to boot up; lights on the front of the transmitter will flash in sequence.
- After a few seconds, the icon furthest to the left on the transmitter’s face will light up, the transmitter will beep, and the lights will flash in unison.
- The transmitter is now ready to sync with your device.
- When the transmitter syncs with your device, it automatically transmits the device’s data over the traditional telephone line to a secure, password-protected website, the Merlin.net™ Patient Care Network (PCN), where your physician or clinical staff can interpret it. Note that:
- The Merlin@home™ transmitter reads your device’s data without affecting the device’s function in any way.
- During the short transmission, you will not be able to make or receive telephone calls. Other than when it is sending information, the Merlin@home transmitter will not cause any issues with your phone line, so be sure to keep it plugged in.
WHEN YOU DO NOT HAVE A TELEPHONE LANDLINE: USING A CELLULAR ADAPTER
If you do not have a standard phone line, you may choose to use a cellular adapter for a monthly fee with a contract. You do not need a cellular phone to use the cellular adapter. However, you must order a cellular adapter; it does not come with your Merlin@home™ transmitter kit.
Setting up the transmitter with the cellular adapter is simple:
- Place your transmitter on a sturdy flat surface next to your bed near an electrical outlet.
- Angle the transmitter so it faces where you lie on your bed.
- Insert the cellular adapter into the transmitter as indicated in the instructions that come with the adapter.
- Plug the transmitter’s power cord into the electrical outlet.
- The transmitter will then begin to boot up; lights on the front of the transmitter will flash in sequence.
- After a few seconds, the icon furthest to the left on the transmitter’s face will light up, the transmitter will beep, and the lights will flash in unison.
- The transmitter is now ready to sync with your device.
- The adapter will automatically find a local cellular network; once the transmitter syncs with your device, it then transmits your device’s data over this network.
To learn about the wireless Merlin@home™ adapter and the service contract, call +1-877-MY-MERLIN (+1-877-696-3754).
WHEN YOU DO NOT HAVE A TELEPHONE LANDLINE: USING A BROADBAND KIT
If you do not have a standard phone line, you may choose to use a broadband kit, which consists of a wireless USB adapter and a wireless access point for a one-time upfront fee. You must have existing internet service. You must also order a wireless USB adapter; it does not come with your Merlin@home transmitter kit.
Setting up the transmitter with the broadband kit is simple:
- Find the router that is already in your home.
- Plug the Ethernet cable attached to the wireless access point into an open Ethernet port on your router.
- Plug the power supply for the wireless access point into the wall electrical outlet.
- Plug the wireless adapter’s USB cable into the USB port on the transmitter and clip it onto the back of the transmitter.
- Place your transmitter on a sturdy, flat surface next to your bed, near an electrical outlet.
- Angle the transmitter so it faces where you lie on your bed.
- Plug the transmitter’s power cord into the electrical outlet.
- The transmitter will then begin to boot up; lights on the front of the transmitter will flash in sequence.
- After a few seconds, the icon furthest to the left on the transmitter’s face will light up, the transmitter will beep, and the lights will flash in unison.
- The transmitter is now ready to sync with your device; the wireless adapter will automatically communicate with the wireless access point connected to your existing router and transmit your device’s data.
GETTING HELP
If you have the Merlin@home™ Transmitter and require technical support, contact us:
- Within the United States: call Technical Support at +1-877-MY-MERLIN (+1-877-696-3754) or email us.
- Outside of the United States: contact your Abbott representative, call Remote Care Technical Support at +46 8 474 4756 or email us.
REFERENCES
1. Mabo, P., Victor, F., Basin, P., Ahres, S., Babuty, D., Da Costa, A., ... Daubert, J-C. & COMPAS Trial Investigators. (2012). A randomized trial of long-term remote monitoring of pacemaker recipients (the COMPAS trial). European Heart Journal,33(1105-1111).http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehr419
2. Mittal S., Piccini, J. P., Fischer, A., Snell, J., Dalal, N., & Varma, N. (2014, May). Increased adherence to remote monitoring is associated with reduced mortality in both pacemaker and defibrillator patients. Abstract LB01-05. Presented at the meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society, San Francisco, CA. This was a retrospective data review and has some limitations.
