An implantable heart monitor is helping to reduce the risk of heart failure

Within the field of cardiology are several subspecialties, including interventional cardiology.

“Interventional cardiology employs minimally invasive diagnostics by way of small catheters and interventions with balloons, stents and other tools to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease conditions,” says John Finley IV, MD, a Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Medical Group interventional cardiologist.

These minimally invasive procedures provide effective results that complement medication intake and supplement open-heart surgical approaches. These techniques open blocked coronary and peripheral arteries and remove blood clots in arteries and veins, all to optimize heart function and circulatory capacity.

Implantable devices to control arrhythmia and manage heart failure are common therapies. For example, one specific invasive procedure involves implanting a heart failure monitor in the pulmonary artery.

“The heart failure monitor is an implantable device that monitors pressure and volume via the vasculature of the lungs,” Dr. Finley says. “After insertion, the continuous data provided transmits to a central monitor system, where it can be collected to detect any failure or weakness in the heart.”

This technology allows for earlier disease identification, before the onset or worsening of congestive heart failure. While the device can’t predict heart attacks, it does focus on looking for other heart-related issues.

“The monitor works on helping to detect heart failure in the chest or other ailments that would require hospitalization, which ultimately benefits patients, their families and the hospital system,” Dr. Finley adds.

Relatively new, the transponder placed in the pulmonary artery has only been in use for a few years.

“We’ve just started using the monitoring device and have a couple of patients using it, but we’re always looking to help patients who are suffering with consistent heart issues or are at risk of hospitalization,” Dr. Finley explains.

Advances in the management and treatment of heart failure will help patients live longer, fuller lives. The interventional cardiologists at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic are proud to offer these therapies and enhance the care of the patients they serve.

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