CardioMEMS

Basic Facts:

  • CardioMEMS is a device implanted in the pulmonary artery that measures changes in pulmonary artery pressure, which can be a sign of fluid backup in the lungs due to worsening congestive heart failure (CHF).  

  • The CardioMEMS device is a paper clip-sized sensor that is implanted during a right cardiac catheterization. The sensor is released into the pulmonary artery where it stays to take pressure measurements. 

  • The patient then lies on a special pillow every day, which “talks” to the CardioMEMS sensor to provide us with pulmonary artery pressure readings. It reduces risk of hospitalization from congestive heart failure, as these pressure readings will often increase before any symptoms of congestive heart failure develop. 

This procedure is performed in a hospital by an interventionalist who has specialty training in the procedure, along with a team of specialized cardiovascular nurses and technicians: 

  1. Under gentle sedation, the doctor inserts a flexible tube (catheter) into a vein in the groin area.  

  1. Using X-rays as a guide, this catheter is guided up the vein, into the right side of the heart and then into the pulmonary artery.  

  1. Measurements are taken, and the CardioMEMS sensor is deployed into the pulmonary artery. It has loops that secure it in place.   

  1. The catheter is then withdrawn from the body and pressure is held on the access site in the arm, wrist, or groin area.  

  1. Patient will be monitored for several hours afterwards, as the anesthesia wears off. 

  1. Many patients can go home later the same day, once the access site is stable.  

  1. Our Advanced Heart Failure team teaches the patient how to use the device to take daily readings from the sensor. 

The Virginia Heart Care Team will provide each patient with specific pre- and post-procedure instructions, including which medications to take or not. Other general guidelines include: 

  • Stop eating and drinking the night before the procedure.  

  • If leaving the same day as the procedure, a patient needs to have someone else drive them home, as they were under sedation. 

  • No heavy lifting / pushing / pulling (over 10 lbs) for a few days after, to protect the access site.  

  • Avoid baths for a few days (showers are usually permitted within 24 hours). 

  • Sexual activity can usually be resumed within three to five days. 

  • Soreness around an access site is common afterwards, but it should not last more than one week.  

  • Follow-up office visit should be about 2 weeks after the procedure.