CardioMEMS™ HF System

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Heart failure happens when the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should. This may lead to fluid buildup in the lungs and body, causing early symptoms of heart failure like shortness of breath, swelling and fatigue. Often, changes inside the body—like rising pressure in the lungs—happen before symptoms are felt.

The CardioMEMS™ HF System helps by tracking pressure in the pulmonary artery, a key vessel between the heart and lungs. This small, wireless device sends daily readings to a healthcare team, allowing for earlier treatment adjustments. The goal is to help manage heart failure more effectively and reduce the need for hospital visits.

What is the CardioMEMS™ HF System?

The CardioMEMS device is a small implantable device that helps monitor the health of people living with heart failure. It is designed to measure pressure inside the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs. Changes in this pressure may be an early sign that heart failure is worsening, even before symptoms like shortness of breath or swelling appear.

The system includes three main parts:

A wireless sensor, which is implanted into a branch of the pulmonary artery during a minimally invasive procedure.
A home electronics unit, which looks like a pillow. Patients lie on this device daily to send their pressure readings wirelessly.
A secure online platform, where healthcare providers can view the readings and decide if any changes to medication or care are needed.

The sensor itself does not have a battery or power source inside. Instead, it uses special technology that responds to a radio signal from the home electronics unit. This makes it possible to get daily measurements of pulmonary artery pressure without needing wires, leads or regular battery replacements. Once implanted, the sensor is meant to stay in place for the long term.

This system doesn't replace regular heart failure care but is used alongside it to give a clearer picture of how the heart is doing each day. It is one tool that can support ongoing heart failure management by providing additional information to the care team.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate for the CardioMEMS HF System?

The CardioMEMS patient electronics system may be considered for adults with chronic heart failure who continue to have symptoms despite standard medical treatment. It is generally used for those who meet specific criteria:

Adults diagnosed with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III heart failure
– experiencing noticeable limitations during daily physical activity
– not having symptoms while at rest
People who have had at least one hospitalization for heart failure within the
Patients with elevated heart failure biomarkers (such as natriuretic peptides), even without a recent hospital stay

Before considering CardioMEMS, doctors often recommend:

If these methods are not enough to prevent worsening symptoms or repeat hospital stays, CardioMEMS may be introduced as part of the care plan. CardioMEMS may not be suitable for people with:

Certain types of heart valve disease

A full medical assessment helps determine whether the CardioMEMS system is appropriate. The decision is made together by the patient and their care team, based on the person’s health status and care goals.

What Are the Benefits of Using the CardioMEMS HF System?

Some potential benefits of CardioMEMS include:

Know that the decision to use CardioMEMS is made based on individual needs and in partnership with a healthcare provider. The system does not replace other heart failure treatments but may be used alongside them to help improve day-to-day management.

How Does the CardioMEMS HF System Improve Heart Failure Management?

The CardioMEMS HF System helps improve heart failure care by giving doctors a way to monitor changes in pressure inside the pulmonary artery — often before symptoms get worse. These early changes may signal fluid buildup and increased strain on the heart.

Before the Procedure

Evaluation: CardioMEMS is generally considered for patients with NYHA Class III heart failure who have had at least one hospitalization in the past year.
Other Treatments First: Typically, patients try noninvasive options like medication adjustments and symptom tracking before CardioMEMS is recommended.
Testing and Imaging: Doctors may order imaging and right heart catheterization to assess the patient’s condition and confirm eligibility.
Preparation: If chosen, patients are informed about how the sensor works and how daily readings will be taken at home.

During the Procedure

CardioMEMS implantation procedure: The sensor is implanted in a hospital or catheterization lab.
Minimally Invasive: A catheter is inserted through a vein in the groin to place the sensor into a branch of the pulmonary artery.
No Battery: The device doesn’t require a power source or wires.
Calibration: Once placed, the sensor is calibrated using pressure readings taken during the procedure.

After the Procedure

Home Monitoring: Patients use a special pillow-like device to take daily readings of their pulmonary artery pressures.
Data Transmission: The readings are wirelessly sent to a secure system that healthcare providers can review.
Medication Adjustments: If pressure trends rise or fall, doctors may adjust medications or follow up directly.
Ongoing Care: Patients continue with regular heart failure care, with CardioMEMS serving as a tool for ongoing management rather than a replacement for in-person visits.

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HealthCare is Better Together.

When it comes to cardiac care, we understand that heart and vascular issues require experienced medical intervention and compassion. Our multidisciplinary approach includes coordinating cardiologists, surgeons and other healthcare professionals who are dedicated to helping ensure comprehensive care and optimal cardiac health outcomes.