Lima Memorial Introduces Innovative Heart Failure Monitoring Technology to the Region

posted on: 11/14/2016 6:53:01 AM

Until now, heart failure patients had to rely on self-monitoring to detect signs of progressing heart failure. This monitoring technique provides a late indication of cardiac distress and often times results in hospitalization to stabilize the heart. Lima Memorial Health System now offers innovative technology that can reliably and proactively monitor patients in its Heart Failure Clinic. The health system has introduced the CardioMEMS™ System to the region. It is the nation’s only FDA-approved wireless heart failure monitor that has been proven to significantly reduce hospital admissions and improve quality of life for many heart failure patients.

CardioMEMS™ is a miniaturized, wireless sensor that is implanted in an individual’s pulmonary artery during a right heart catheterization. The sensor is designed to last the lifetime of the patient and does not require an external power source. The tiny wireless transmitter will detect and transmit an individual’s internal blood pressure data daily to his/her healthcare provider. This crucial data enables the cardiologist to proactively address changes in the patient’s condition with medications, often weeks before the patient would typically experience symptoms, such as weight gain. This early intervention can significantly improve the patient’s overall quality of life and prevent more serious conditions from occurring. 

More than six million Americans suffer from congestive heart failure, a progressive disease that can make individuals feel weak, tired or breathless and may cause congestion, or a build-up of fluid in the lungs. Patients with heart failure are frequently hospitalized, have a reduced quality of life and face a higher risk of death.

“We are excited to bring this innovative technology to our region,” stated Dr. Pamela Gardner, Medical Director of Lima Memorial’s Heart Failure Clinic. “CardioMEMS™ allows our patients to be active participants in their care. Now, we can stay in close communication with our patients, achieve better health outcomes and avoid the unnecessary stress and expense associated with a hospital stay." 

Dr. Pierre Bamdad, Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services at Lima Memorial, performed the region’s first implant on October 12. The patient will make his first return visit to Lima Memorial’s Heart Failure Clinic on Monday, November 14 to meet with his cardiology team to review his progress and the data recordings from his device.