New paper clip-sized implant 'can reduce heart failure hospitalisations'

Washington, June 1 (ANI): A paper clip-sized implant could reduce hospitalisations due to heart failure, bringing about a significant change in cardiac medicine, according to a new study.

The research, conducted by the Ohio State University, shows that patients receiving the implant experienced 38 per cent fewer hospitalisations in the first year.

"I think it's a grand slam," ABC News quoted Dr. William Abraham, one of the study's principal researchers, as saying.

He added: "It has been a decade since we have seen a trial this positive in terms of heart failure."

The device, known as the EndoSure Wireless AAA Pressure Management System, is a tiny sensor that is implanted through a catheter into the heart's pulmonary artery.

The procedure takes no more than seven minutes.

The patient has to pass a wand over his or her chest once a day to collect real-time data on heart pressure from the sensor. Thereafter, this data is sent to a secure Web site, where doctors can review it.

The implant, manufactured by CardioMEMS, doesn't run on battery and is powered by the radiofrequency wand.

The device is currently being tested as it awaits Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. (ANI)