Aug 7 2010
Heart failure is a condition, in which the heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It is quite common now-a-days, expensive to treat, and is associated with high mortality rates.
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Some common symptoms and signs that implies heart failure comprises, puffy ankles and feet, severe fatigue, gasping for breath, overweight, frequent urination and irregular heartbeats. By modifying the way of life, heart failure can be arrested to some extent.
A CHAMPION Trial was conducted recently to incite an approach towards preventing heart failure and over 550 patients were subjected to it. As part of this trial, a microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensor was implanted into the heart of the patients using a catheter. Catheterization was done in the right side of the heart and the sensor was implanted close to the pulmonary artery which could then easily measure and monitor all categories of oedema that causes heart failure. The fluid level in heart and the arteries of patients are monitored and documented for updating their current fluid levels. Any worse fluctuations in the levels can be prevented by immediate medication thereby reducing the risk of heart failure. This sensor does not require replacement or removal upon implantation for the first time.