A novel implantable sensor, CardioMEMS, has demonstrated a significant reduction in hospital admissions for individuals suffering from heart failure. The device, which is implanted in the pulmonary artery, has been shown to cut emergency hospital admissions by nearly half, offering a proactive approach to managing this chronic condition.
The CardioMEMS monitor functions by detecting subtle changes in blood pressure, which can indicate deteriorating health. Patients use a transmitter-equipped pillow each morning to communicate with the sensor, allowing physicians to remotely monitor and address potential issues before they require hospitalization. This early warning system enables timely intervention, preventing the escalation of symptoms and improving patient outcomes.
A recent trial, the results of which were published in The Lancet, followed 348 heart failure patients for an average of 18 months. The data revealed that patients with the CardioMEMS implant experienced a 44% reduction in hospital admissions due to heart failure compared to those without the sensor. This represents a substantial improvement in patient management and a potential reduction in healthcare costs associated with frequent hospitalizations.
Heart failure, an incurable condition affecting approximately one million Britons, occurs when the heart muscle weakens and can no longer pump blood effectively. Common causes include heart attacks, valve problems, viral infections, and genetic factors. The condition often leads to elevated pressure in the blood vessels around the lungs, causing fluid accumulation and symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue. The rising prevalence of heart failure is linked to an aging population, increased survival rates after heart attacks, and a growing number of individuals with diabetes and high blood pressure.
The CardioMEMS device is implanted via a minimally invasive procedure similar to stent placement. An incision is made in the groin, and a catheter is used to guide the implant through the circulatory system to the pulmonary artery. The device is secured in place with metal loops and does not require batteries, designed to last the patient's lifetime. The procedure typically takes about 20 minutes under local anesthesia, with patients often discharged the same day.
Leslie Birkenhead, a 73-year-old heart failure patient, experienced significant benefits after receiving the CardioMEMS implant. Following multiple heart attacks and a diagnosis of irreversible heart failure, Leslie faced regular hospital stays. Since receiving the implant, he has been able to manage his condition effectively and avoid hospitalization. "Almost straight away I could keep track of my heart pressure – my heart failure wasn’t gone but I could manage it brilliantly and I haven’t been hospitalised since," he stated.
Dr. Andrew Flett, a consultant cardiologist at University Hospital Southampton and one of the first in the UK to implant the device, emphasized the substantial impact of CardioMEMS for patients with moderate heart failure. "By reducing hospitalisations and improving quality of life, it’s a win-win for the NHS and the patient," Dr. Flett said. He expressed hope that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will evaluate the device and make it available to a broader range of patients.
