
A tiny sensor implanted in the pulmonary artery of patients with heart failure can reduce hospitalizations and may lead to improved survival of these patients.
Called the CardioMEMS Heart Failure System, the device measures and monitors pulmonary artery pressure to detect early signs of worsening heart failure. Clinical trials report a 30% to 40% reduction in hospitalizations.
Nebraska Medicine has implanted more than 300 devices, making it one of the top six centers in the nation in terms of volume.
“This system gives us extra data points that help us understand how the heart and lungs are functioning so we can diagnose heat failure symptoms earlier and optimize medications to stabilize progression and prevent hospitalization,” says Scott Lundgren, MD, Nebraska Medicine advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist.
“These patients require close, long-term management by a comprehensive heart failure program. We have the most experienced and all-encompassing heart failure center in the state. Our outcomes are in line with clinical trials and potentially even better because we have the knowledge, experience and expertise to provide the most effective patient management.”
The CardioMEMs device, about the size of a paper clip, is implanted in the pulmonary artery during a minimally invasive catheterization procedure that typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. About four to five times a week, patients use an electronic monitoring unit that they bring home that provides a pulmonary artery pressure reading. These readings are electronically sent to Nebraska Medicine’s heart failure care team for review.
“This is especially a great convenience for rural patients as it allows us to keep a closer eye on their condition while reducing the frequency of clinic visits to Omaha,” says Dr. Lundgren.
Common signs of worsening heart failure include:
- Shortness of breath.
- Weight changes.
- Swelling and fluid buildup in the feet, ankles or legs.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Confusion or memory problems.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea.
- Palpitations.
“CardioMEMs can help us detect decline one to two weeks earlier than these common symptoms, which helps us stay ahead of the game,” says Dr. Lundgren.
Patients may be eligible for CardioMEMS if they:
- Have NYHA stage 2 or 3 heart failure.
- Have been hospitalized for heart failure within the past year.
- Have elevated BNP.
“While there are different types of heart failure, this device is effective on all types,” notes Dr. Lundgren. “Once it is implanted, it stays in forever and lasts forever.”
Nebraska Medicine’s heart failure program is the largest and most comprehensive program in the region. The heart failure team is experienced in providing patients with a variety of therapies, including:
- Adult congenital heart disease therapy.
- ECMO.
- Genetic testing and counseling.
- Cardiac rehabilitation.
- Heart transplant.
- LVAD/mechanical circulatory support.
- Pulmonary hypertension therapy.
- Heart Failure Optimization Clinic.
Make a heart failure referral
To make a referral to our heart failure program for evaluation, call 402.559.8888.