Microchip implant alerts doctors to heart problems in patients

Cardiologists from the Royal Brompton Hospital have performed the first UK implant of a microchip that can monitor a patient's heart condition.

The tiny sensor is placed in the pulmonary artery between the heart and lungs where it monitors changes in blood pressure. The CardioMEMS sensor HF System is wireless and can alert doctors to any decline in a patient's condition. Professor Martin Cowie is running a study to assess the sensor's value in patient care and patient experience.

The microchip works in tandem with a specially adapted pillow that collects information from it wirelessly when patients lie on the pillow (for a few minutes a day).  The blood pressure readings that are collected are then sent to doctors, who can analyse these and decide if any adjustments are required to the patient’s treatment.

The programme, headed by Professor Martin Cowie of the National Heart & Lung Institute (NHLI), has seen seven patients with chronic heart failure have the wireless sensor inserted into their artery in the past two months. It is hoped that the device will prevent deterioration in patients by allowing doctors to act before any symptoms are actually experienced.

The CardioMEMS sensor is inserted into the artery using a cardiac catheter (thin tube) that can travel up through a vein in the leg to a person’s heart.  This is not a very invasive procedure, requiring no sedation, and the sensor can remain in place for life, as it has no battery or replaceable parts.

A randomised controlled trial run in the US in 2011 found a 30% drop in hospital admissions over 6 months for those with the miniature sensor, compared to the control group.

Professor Martin Cowie said: “This device has the potential to revolutionise the care of heart failure patients. By detecting any deterioration in heart function at a much earlier stage and changing treatment accordingly, we should be able to prevent significant numbers of hospital admissions and improve the quality of life for many thousands of people with the condition.”

“Up until now, monitoring has taken place during regular clinical appointments, or at a patient’s request after he or she has experienced a worsening of symptoms, such as increased breathlessness or fatigue.”

Retired civil servant, Philip Scott, from Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, was diagnosed with heart failure in 2014, and amongst the first group of patients to have the CardioMEMS implanted. Philip commented: “My hope is that by having the device it will mean I don’t have to visit hospital as frequently as I need to at present. My family thinks it’s wonderful and we consider it a great privilege that I’m one of the first patients in the UK to have it.”

The procedure to implant the CardioMEMS device was carried out by RBHT cardiologists, Dr Mark Mason and Dr Rakesh Sharma.

Image credit: St.Jude Medical