Download Frequently Asked Questions CardioMEMS

Frequently Asked Questions
CardioMEMS
What options do I have for my heart failure (HF) patients?
Physicians typically manage heart failure by monitoring symptoms, body weight and blood pressure.
Even with self-monitoring, 25 percent of heart failure patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30
days, and 50 percent are re-admitted within six months. UMass Memorial Medical Center offers the
CardioMEMS HF system, the first and only FDA-approved heart failure monitor proven to significantly
reduce hospital admissions and improve quality of life.
Is it safe and reliable?
Yes. About 98.6 percent of patients were free from device or system complications. Data from a clinical
trial showed that the CardioMEMS technology reduces heart failure hospital admissions by up to 37
percent, and the system showed a 78 percent reduction in HF hospital readmissions.
How does the system work?
The CardioMEMS system provides ambulatory pulmonary artery pressure monitoring using a small
pressure sensor, permanently implanted in the distal pulmonary artery via a safe right heart
catheterization procedure.
At home, the patient uses an electronic unit and a pillow containing the antenna to take sensor readings
daily or upon clinician request. This is a simple process that takes only a few minutes. The patient lies on
the pillow and presses a button. The unit captures 18 seconds of pressure readings and wirelessly
transmits the data to the secure website clinicians can review.
Pressure readings, trend data, and pressure waveforms are displayed, providing unique clinical insight
for guiding medical management. This technology has the ability to treat and improve the health and
outcomes of patients by monitoring changes and adjusting treatment plans or medications before the
symptoms become a problem.
What are the indications for use? What patients would most benefit from CardioMEMS?
CardioMEMS is best suited for patients with Class III heart failure who have been hospitalized in the
previous 12 months.
What do I do if I have a patient who can benefit from CardioMEMS?
Just call us at 508-334-CARD (2273). We’ll answer your questions and help schedule an appointment.