Treating PA Pressures with Use of a CardioMems Device Affects Quality of Life Measures By Improving Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and 6 Minute Walk Test (6mwt)

Abstract

Background Projections show that the prevalence of Heart Failure (HF) will increase 46% from 2012 to 2030, resulting in >8 million people greater than 18 years of age with HF. It is the leading diagnosis for our Medicare population today. The CHAMPION trial revealed a reduction in hospitalizations in patients with a PA pressure sensor (CardioMEMS) implanted who had medication adjustments abased on pulmonary artery pressure increases/decreases without regards to symptoms. Objectives Managing PA pressures within patient's individualized thresholds with medication adjustments will improve their quality of life by improving their KCCQ scoring and their 6 minute walk distance. Methods Sanford Cardiovascular Institute in Sioux Falls, SD started implanting CardioMEMs in April 2015. Patients were treated with medication adjustments (increased or decreased) including beta-blockers, ace inhibitors, vasodilators, and diuretics to keep the patient within their individually set thresholds. Data was collected pre implant of the CardioMEMs device on KCCQ and 6mwt scoring and then again 6 to 8 months after implant. Results A total of 20 patients were given a KCCQ pre-implant and 6-8 months post implant, showing an average pre implant KCCQ of 35.5 score and a post implant average KCCQ score of 41.65, thus giving a 14.77% increase in post implant score. A total of 13 patients completed a 6mwt pre-implant and 6-8 months post implant, showing an average pre implant walk of 192.8 meters and a post implant walk average of 225.46 meters, thus giving a 14.49% increase in distance. Conclusion Implantation of a Pulmonary Artery Sensor Pressure Monitoring System can not only reduce hospital admissions, but can improve quality of life based on the improvement in KCCQ scores and 6 minute walk test distances.