Abstract: A system for monitoring an anatomical condition of a patient is provided. One embodiment of the system includes an electronic monitoring device for monitoring the anatomical condition (e.g., cardiac function) of the patient and for generating an electrical signal indicative of that monitored condition. The system converts the electrical signal into an optical signal that is indicative of the monitored condition, and supplies the optical signal via a fiber optic link to a remote location for processing. The system also supplies to the electronic monitoring device another optical signal via another fiber optic link. The other optical signal is for use both in controlling operation of and powering the electronic monitoring device.