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Community Health Network offers the latest, state-of-the-art technology for heart failure patients

For release on March 03, 2015

CardioMEMS™ sensor provides early detection of worsening heart failure, reduces hospitalizations

Indianapolis, IN—Community Health Network is now offering new, state-of-the-art technology aimed at reducing hospitalizations for patients with heart failure. Patients suffering from advanced heart failure now have access to new monitoring technology called CardioMEMS™ (Cardio micro electrical mechanical systems). This medical implantable sensor measures pulmonary artery pressure and provides early detection of heart failure as it begins to progress. The new technology may prevent costly hospitalizations. Community is the only healthcare network in Central Indiana currently offering CardioMEMS.

Heart failure is a progressive condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands, and blood pressure within the heart becomes elevated. Significant heart failure progression over a period of days is known as acute decompensation and leads to hospitalization. Increased pulmonary artery pressures often precede indirect measures of worsening heart failure, such as weight and blood pressure changes, by up to 14 days.

“Because the sensor detects changes before the patient becomes symptomatic, the measurements allow for real-time, personalized and proactive management to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization or readmission,” said Waqas Ghumman, MD, medical director of Community Health Network’s Center for Advanced Heart Care. “Treatment can be administered before the integrity of the heart muscle is compromised, therefore enhancing the quality of life of the patient.”

The CardioMEMS system features a miniature, wireless monitoring sensor that is implanted in the patient’s pulmonary artery during a minimally-invasive procedure. The sensor works in combination with a home monitoring device to transmit data to the physician via a secure wireless or landline connection.

Through monitoring of the pulmonary artery pressures using CardioMEMS, physicians can proactively manage medications and other treatment options and get an early indication of worsening heart failure. Clinical trial data has shown a significant reduction in 30-day hospital readmission rates for patients age 65 and older.

Community Heart and Vascular Hospital is among only 64 implant sites in the U.S. currently using this new technology. For more information on the CardioMEMS system, visit http://health.sjm.com/heart-failure-answers/videos-and-animations/cardiomems.

About Community Health Network
Ranked among the nation’s most integrated healthcare systems, Community Health Network is Central Indiana’s leader in providing convenient access to exceptional healthcare services, where and when patients need them - in hospitals, health pavilions and doctor’s offices, as well as workplaces, schools and homes.  As a non-profit health system with over 200 sites of care and affiliates throughout Central Indiana, Community’s full continuum of care integrates hundreds of physicians, specialty and acute care hospitals, surgery centers, home care services, MedChecks, behavioral health and employer health services.  To learn more, visit eCommunity.com or call 800-777-7775.

Courtney Jones, Media Relations
Courtney Jones
Media Relations