Implantable wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor with delivery catheter, including all system components
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Implantable Wireless Pulmonary Artery Pressure Sensor Placement with Delivery Catheter
Common Name: Wireless PA Pressure Sensor Implantation
Technical/Medical Term: Implantation of a CardioMEMS HF System
Summary
This procedure involves implanting a small wireless sensor in your pulmonary artery to continuously monitor and transmit your blood pressure readings. It helps your healthcare team manage and treat heart failure proactively.
Purpose
This procedure is designed to monitor pulmonary artery pressure in patients with heart failure. By providing real-time data on heart function, it aims to help doctors detect changes early and adjust treatments to prevent hospitalizations and improve quality of life.
Indications
- Chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III)
- Frequent hospitalizations in the past year due to heart failure exacerbations
- Difficulties in managing heart failure symptoms through medication alone
Preparation
- Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Adjustments in regular medications as instructed by your doctor.
- Pre-procedure evaluations, including blood work, electrocardiogram (EKG), and possibly an echocardiogram.
- Briefing and consent for the procedure.
Procedure Description
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used at the site of insertion, with sedation if needed.
- Access: A small incision is made near the groin to access a vein.
- Catheter Insertion: A delivery catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the pulmonary artery.
- Sensor Placement: The wireless PA pressure sensor is implanted in the pulmonary artery.
- Verification: Correct placement is confirmed via imaging techniques like fluoroscopy.
- Closure: The catheter is removed, and the incision is closed.
Duration
The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Setting
The procedure is conducted in a hospital's cardiac catheterization laboratory under sterile conditions.
Personnel
- Interventional Cardiologist
- Cardiology Nurse
- Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist (if sedation is used)
- Radiology Technician
Risks and Complications
- Bleeding or infection at the insertion site
- Vascular injury
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye or sedatives
- Rarely, sensor malfunction or migration
Benefits
- Continual, real-time monitoring of heart failure status
- Early detection of deteriorating heart function
- Personalized adjustments in medication and treatment plans
- Potential reduction in hospitalizations and emergency visits
Recovery
- Typically, patients are observed for a few hours post-procedure.
- Minor activity limitations for 24-48 hours.
- Instructions on wound care and medication adjustments.
- Follow-up appointments for routine device checks and data analysis.
Alternatives
- Routine clinical management with regular follow-ups
- Non-invasive monitoring techniques
- Adjustments in heart failure medications alone
- Each alternative has varying degrees of monitoring precision and may not provide real-time data like the CardioMEMS HF System.
Patient Experience
During the procedure, you might feel slight pressure or discomfort at the insertion site. Post-procedure, mild soreness and bruising can occur. Pain is generally manageable with over-the-counter medications, and most patients resume normal activities within a couple of days.