LAUSR

Abnormal hemodynamics are associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. Given the invasiveness and unfeasibility of routine right heart catheterization, non-invasive methodologies to monitor hemodynamics are needed. The CardioMEMS™ device is a recently developed technology that enables remote monitoring of pulmonary artery pressures via an implanted sensor located in the distal left pulmonary artery. Along with the CardioMEMS™, a remote dielectric system might be another promising device that reports indirect intra-thoracic filling pressures associated with pulmonary congestion. In patients with advanced heart failure who require left ventricular assist devices, non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring is particularly necessary, given the increased procedural risks of invasive assessments. The HeartWare ventricular assist device flow waveform is a variable under active investigation that might also provide an estimation of filling pressures. This methodology is expected to lead to the development of a smart pump that can adjust its own settings, including the pump speed, automatically by monitoring the hemodynamics.