Treating Heart Failure with CardioMEMS™ HF System in Henderson and Las Vegas, NV
The CardioMEMS™ HF System is a high-tech method of monitoring people living with advanced heart failure. This technology can help manage the disease, guide treatment, and reduce the risk of being readmitted to the hospital for symptoms and complications of heart failure.
The CardioMEMS HF System offers improved quality of life for people burdened by heart failure. To learn more, find a cardiologist at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican's San Martin or Siena hospitals in Las Vegas or Henderson, NV, or call (702) 616-4900.
Why CardioMEMS HF System is Used
The CardioMEMS HF System uses an implantable device to measure blood pressure in the pulmonary artery. This artery takes oxygenated blood from the lungs and sends it to the rest of your body. Pulmonary artery pressure has been shown to be a reliable indicator of worsening heart failure, so by monitoring your pulmonary artery blood pressure, your cardiologist can respond rapidly to subtle changes in your heart failure status.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the CardioMEMS HF System for people with advanced (Class III) heart failure.
By monitoring pulmonary artery pressure, doctors can:
- Adjust your heart failure medications or other therapies before you develop serious symptoms, such as trouble breathing
- Reduce your risk of rehospitalization due to heart failure
What to Expect
The CardioMEMS HF System includes a tiny wireless sensor that is permanently implanted in your pulmonary artery. This minimally invasive procedure is typically performed in a hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab, and usually takes less than an hour. Your cardiologist will make a small incision in a major artery in your groin. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor advances a thin, flexible instrument to the pulmonary artery and places the sensor inside of it.
The CardioMEMS HF System includes a portable monitoring unit and a special pillow. After the pressure sensor has been implanted, you will need to lie on the pillow each day to automatically transmit data to your cardiologist. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on when and how to do this.
Recovery After the CardioMEMS at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican
After you have the sensor implanted, you may be told to limit your activities for a few days while the incision in your groin heals. Call the doctor if you have swelling, heat, or redness in the area, as these can be signs of infection.
Because the CardioMEMS HF System allows your cardiologist to intervene rapidly, before you experience any symptoms of worsening heart failure, you may find yourself better able to maintain an active, high-quality lifestyle while living with advanced heart failure.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican's San Martin and SIena Campuses offer many treatment options for patients with advanced heart failure, including CardioMEMS HF System, in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.