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Parliamentary question - E-002227/2013Parliamentary question
E-002227/2013

Harmonising telemetric reading and programming devices for defibrillators and pacemakers

Question for written answer E-002227-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Thomas Ulmer (PPE)

In Germany around 500 000 people have pacemakers, with around 60 000 being added a year. For many people, these devices make it possible for them to lead a normal life.

However, particularly in emergencies, there are still serious problems. With so many manufacturers, it has not yet been possible to develop hardware and software in these devices enabling reading and programming using a uniform interface on standardised equipment.

This causes serious problems for both hospitals and patients:

To what extent can improvements or harmonisation be achieved in this area? How does the Commission intend to ensure that patients are better protected and are not restricted in their movements? What kind of legislative proposal could be made to this effect?

OJ C 372 E, 19/12/2013