Preventing Readmissions for Heart Failure Patients 

Written by Bryan Heart cardiologist John Steuter, MD

Heart failure is a major problem in the United States. Over five million people suffer from heart failure with over 650,000 new cases and over one million heart failure admissions a year. Various clinical models and risk scores have been developed to help identify patients at risk for hospitalization and readmission for heart failure.

Traditionally providers have relied on:

• Patient reported symptoms
• Blood pressure and/or weight gain changes that often manifest only after decompensation has begun

Graph adapted from Adamson PB, et al. Curr Heart Fail Reports, 2009

New Technology Allows Proactive Care

In May 2014 the FDA approved the CardioMEMS system. The CardioMEMS system features a sensor that is implanted in the pulmonary artery of the heart during a minimally invasive procedure to directly measure the vessel’s pressures. Patients are able to send their doctor critical information daily from the comfort of their home, allowing for personalized and proactive management. Doctors receive alerts if patients are experiencing fluid retention. With this early notification, intervention strategies can be implemented to prevent readmission to the hospital. 

CardioMEMS Provides Proven Results

In the Champion Trial, CardioMEMS demonstrated a dramatic reduction in heart failure hospitalization. Bryan Heart is proud to have participated in the Champion Trial and provide CardioMEMS as a treatment option and strategy to our heart failure patients.

Traditional Readmission

Six Months: 50% readmitted

CardioMEMS Readmission

Six months: 28% reduction in readmission
15 months: 37% reduction in readmission

(Abraham WT, Adamson PB, Bourge RC, et al. Wireless pulmonary artery haemodynamic monitoring in chronic heart failure: A randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2011;377(9766):658-66.)

Advanced Technology at Bryan Heart

At Bryan Heart we’re committed to providing patients with proven leading edge treatments and technologies to continually improve patient care and outcomes.

For more information or to see if your patient would benefit from a CardioMEMS device, please contact Bryan Heart at 402-483-3333.