CardioMEMS

What is CardioMEMS?

The CardioMEMS Heart Failure System is the first FDA-approved monitoring device proven to significantly reduce hospital admissions among heart failure patients. 

Munson Medical Center was one of the first hospitals in the nation to begin offering this innovative, groundbreaking technology in 2015.

How does CardioMEMS help?

Pulmonary artery pressure starts to increase in heart failure patients one to three weeks before the person notices any changes in symptoms or weight. About 90 percent of patients admitted to the hospital for heart failure have pulmonary congestion, which can lead to a downward spiral of progressive cardiac deterioration and mortality.

The CardioMEMS HF System is a proactive early-warning system. It’s essentially like the tire pressure monitoring system on your car. It allows for daily monitoring of pulmonary artery pressure from anywhere in the world, as long as the patient is within range of a cell phone tower.

Daily monitoring allows for medication adjustments as needed to prevent a serious problem from developing. This new technology has been shown to reduce the rate of hospitalization for heart failure by nearly 40 percent by enabling frequent clinician monitoring without the need for additional clinic or hospital visits.

How does CardioMEMS work?

During a minimally-invasive procedure, a tiny sensor is implanted into the pulmonary artery to directly measure pressure. Daily sensor readings are transmitted as the patient reclines on a special portable pillow with an antenna. The patient presses a button on a portable electronic unit and the pulmonary artery pressure is measured and sent wirelessly to a website that can be viewed by a physician from any device with internet access. If a patient has abnormal readings, an alert is sent to the clinician’s smartphone.

Heart Services Are Nearby

If you have any symptoms of heart attack or stroke, call 911. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. EMTs can begin life-saving care immediately before you reach the hospital.

For more information, contact your primary care provider or Traverse Heart and Vascular at 800-637-4033.