Tampa, Florida (June 8, , 2018) ― Tampa Community Hospital has performed its first implant of a new miniaturized, wireless monitoring sensor to manage heart failure while a patient is at home. The CardioMEMs Heart Failure System is the first and only FDA-approved monitoring device proven to significantly reduce hospital admissions when used by physicians to manage heart failure. This technologically advanced system features a sensor that is implanted into the pulmonary artery during a minimally invasive procedure to directly measure pulmonary artery pressure.
Mr. Tom Truman, the patient, said, “The procedure was very easy, and the staff here has been so nice to me and my family. I am very happy with the care I received at this hospital.” His family added, “We are very pleased and happy with all the nurses and staff here. Everyone has been wonderful.”
“Increased pulmonary artery pressures appear before weight and blood pressure changes,” said William Capo, MD, interventional cardiologist at Tampa Community Hospital. “These are often used as indirect measures of worsening heart failure. After the team and I implant one of these high-tech sensors into one of our patients, it transmits daily readings to me giving the patient a more personalized and proactive management of their condition, reducing the likelihood of hospitalization.”
The system’s sensor is designed to last the lifetime of the patient and doesn’t require batteries. There is no pain sensation for the patient during the readings.
“This is great news for our patients. We continue to be able to provide our physicians with options like this, enabling them to treat conditions like heart failure quicker than ever before,” said Sonia Wellman, CEO of Tampa Community Hospital. “That means we are continuing to provide the compassionate care that the staff at Tampa Community Hospital gets truly excited about.”
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, more than 5.1 million Americans have heart failure with 670,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Patients with heart failure are frequently hospitalized, have a reduced quality of life, and face a higher risk of death.
Advantages to the CardioMEMs System
If you have heart failure, changes in the blood pressure through your pulmonary artery (PA) can indicate worsening heart failure, even before you notice symptoms such as shortness of breath or weight gain. The CardioMEMs™ Heart Failure System features a small pressure-sensing device that is implanted directly into the pulmonary artery. It sends information wirelessly to your physician. Your doctor can use the information to adjust your medication and treatment plan if needed.
Benefits of CardioMEMs HF System include:
- Your doctor can use the sensor information to make changes to your treatment before you feel symptoms.
- It is simple and easy to use, with a home electronics unit that wirelessly sends data to your doctor.
- The sensor does not need a battery or replacement parts.
Consult your doctor about all possible benefits and risks.
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About Tampa Community Hospital
For more than 35 years, Tampa Community Hospital (formerly Town and Country Hospital) has served northwest Hillsborough and northeast Pinellas counties with comprehensive medical, diagnostic, surgical and emergency services. Our 201-bed hospital is committed to providing high quality health care with a focus on customer service. With a team of 450 employees and over 300 physicians, Tampa Community Hospital is equipped with the expertise and technology to provide a wide array of health services. For more information or a free physician referral, call 1-855-245-8330 or go to tampacommunityhospital.com.