CardioMEMS System in the Daily Management of Heart Failure: Review of Current Data and Technique of Implantation.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) leads to significant morbidity and mortality and imposes a large economic burden. Although there have been several advances in HF monitoring and management, HF-rehospitalization remains a significant problem. Remote monitoring of HF to detect early signs of decompensation has emerged in past years as an option to prevent or reduce the incidence of HF rehospitalization. The CardioMEMS HF system is a wireless pulmonary artery (PA) pressure monitoring system that detects changes in PA pressure and transmits data to the healthcare provider. Since changes in PA pressure happen early in the course of HF decompensation, the CardioMEMS system allows the provider to institute timely intensification of HF therapies to alter the course. In trial and registry data, the use of the CardioMEMS HF system has been associated with reduction in HF hospitalization, improvement in quality of life, symptoms, and physical activity.

Areas Covered: This review will focus on the available data supporting its utilization in patients with HF.

Expert Opinion: CardioMEMS is relatively safe and cost-effective, reduces heart failure hospitalization rates, and fits into intermediate to high-value medical care.