Pulmonary artery pressure technologies for remote monitoring of chronic heart failure

Can be used

NICE has said that CardioMEMS HF System can be used in the NHS for remote monitoring of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 3 chronic heart failure in adults at risk of hospitalisation. It can be used for adults who are:

• able to use the technology (with the help of a carer if necessary) and
• willing to adjust their medication, as advised by their healthcare professional.

The NYHA is a classification system that divides heart failure into 4 classes based on a person’s symptoms and their ability to do physical activities.

More research is needed

NICE has said that more research is needed on the Cordella Pulmonary Artery Sensor System and the Cordella Heart Failure System for remote monitoring of NYHA class 3 chronic heart failure in adults before it can be used in the NHS.

How these technologies work

Pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) technologies use small, implanted sensors to measure the blood pressure in the artery carrying blood from the heart to the lungs (pulmonary artery). The person with the PAP device, or a family member or carer, uses the technology to take regular PAP measurements. These are then uploaded to a remote monitoring system, where they can be reviewed by the person’s healthcare team.

Increases in PAP can be an early sign of worsening heart failure, which is when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. The technologies aim to help detect worsening heart failure before it becomes symptomatic, so that the person’s medication can be adjusted as quickly as possible and they can avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

Is this technology right for me?

Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. See our webpage on shared decision making.

Questions to think about

• How well does it work compared with other ways of detecting worsening heart failure?
• What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
• What happens if I do not want to have a PAP device?
• Can I choose where to have it implanted? Can I have it implanted at my local clinic or hospital?
• How long will it take?
• Will I need, or be offered, sedation or anaesthesia? If so, will I have a choice?
• Will I be able to drive to and from the appointment?
• Will I be shown how to take PAP measurements at home?

Information and support

The NHS webpage on heart failure may be a good place to find out more.

These organisations can give you advice and support:

• British Heart Foundation, 0300 330 3322
• Pumping Marvellous, 01772 796542
• Heart Rhythm Alliance, 01789 867 501
• Cardiomyopathy UK, 0800 018 1024

You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.

NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-9225-6