The CardioMEMS HF System features a sensor that is implanted in the pulmonary artery during a non-surgical procedure to directly measure pressure. Increased pressures appear before weight and blood pressure changes, which are often used as indirect measures of worsening heart failure. The new system allows patients to transmit daily sensor readings from their homes to their health care providers allowing for personalized and proactive management to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization.
Cardiologist Martin Rains, MD, who performed the first procedure at Baptist Health Paducah, said fluid congestion symptoms traditionally have to be recognized by the patient or a medical provider before medication changes can be made to combat those symptoms. This device allows providers to receive data transmitted wirelessly from the patients, allowing them to better tailor care with precise adjustments of medications on a day-by-day basis, hopefully before they ever experience symptoms of worsened fluid congestion, like worsened breathing.
“We are excited to offer this innovative technology to benefit our patients with heart failure by experiencing a more proactive method of care provision,” Dr. Rains said. “Cardiac care has long been a strength of this region, and this device offers a glimpse into the exciting future of care we look to provide in this area. Baptist Health is committed to offering the most advanced care for all of our heart patients – not just those with congestive heart failure, but those with advanced coronary artery disease, valvular disease, and other forms of structural heart disease. Our goal is simple: Provide advanced 'big city' care right here in Paducah, and this technology is just another testament to that."
Data from a clinical trial showed that the CardioMEMS technology reduces heart failure hospital admissions by up to 37 percent.
“Baptist Health Paducah is committed to improving patient care and investing in medical technology, such as the CardioMEMS HF System,” said hospital president Chris Roty. “This is just another way we can strive for successful outcomes in the treatment of heart failure.”
The CardioMEMS sensor is designed to last the lifetime of the patient and doesn’t require batteries. Once implanted, the wireless sensor sends pressure readings to an external patient electronic system. There is no pain or sensation for the patient during the readings. The CardioMEMS HF System allows the patients to transmit critical information about their heart failure status to a clinician on a regular basis, without the need for additional clinic or hospital visits. This provides clinicians with the ability to detect worsening heart failure sooner and adjust treatment to reduce the likelihood that the patient will need to be hospitalized.
The CardioMEMS HF System, from global medical device manufacturer Abbott, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for commercial use in the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.heartfailureanswers.com/.
