CardioMEMS™ HF System
MyMichigan’s Heart Failure Clinic is pleased to offer the CardioMEMS HF System to help you manage your heart failure. This advanced monitoring system measures changes in the pressure of blood through your pulmonary artery. Pressure changes in blood flow within your pulmonary artery, which are responsible for moving blood from your heart to your lungs, can be an indicator that you heart failure condition is worsening.
CardioMEMS™ HF System
The CardioMEMS System consists of a small pressure-sensing device that is implanted directly into your pulmonary artery. Once implanted, the sensor measures and transmits your blood flow pressure and heart rate. A special electronic receiving unit allows you to take daily readings and wirelessly transmit this data to the Heart Failure Clinic. This data allows members of your heart failure care team to closely monitor any changes in your condition. By identifying changes early, before symptoms such as shortness of breath or weight gain occur, adjustments can be made to your medications and treatment plan to more effectively manage your heart failure.
Why would I use a pulmonary artery pressure monitoring system?
The system sends information to your care team so that they can proactively monitor and manage your heart failure condition and reduce your chance of hospitalization for heart failure.
Will I be able to feel the implant device?
You will not feel the implant device, nor will it interfere with your daily activities. Additionally, there is no pain or sensation during your readings.
How often do I need to use the system?
You will use the system every day to send pulmonary artery pressure readings to your doctor. It only takes a few minutes.
Is the CardioMEMS HF System complicated to use?
The system is easy to use and does not require any batteries or wires. You will be trained to use the system before you are released from the hospital. It also comes with startup instructions and a user’s guide.
Can I have a MRI scan with the pulmonary artery sensor?
You can have an MRI scan under certain conditions. Talk with the doctor ordering your MRI scan to ensure that he or she knows that you have a CardioMEMS™ pulmonary artery sensor.
Will my pulmonary artery sensor interfere with my pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)?
No, if you have a pacemaker or ICD, your pulmonary artery sensor will not interfere with those devices, even when you are taking a reading
Can I pass through airport security or anti-theft systems with my pulmonary artery sensor?
Yes, your sensor will not alert or be affected by airport security or anti-theft systems that require you to pass through a metal detector or scanning machine. You will receive an ID card and a letter that contain relevant information related to your device, which you can show to security and airline personnel when traveling.
Are there any complications associated with the pulmonary artery sensor implantation?
Although complications are very rare, risks associated with the implantation of a pulmonary artery sensor include arrhythmias, bleeding, device embolization, hematoma, infection, myocardial infarction, stroke, thrombus, transient ischemic attack and death.
CardioMEMS™ is a trademark of Abbott
