Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital expands access to heart failure care

The Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital announced an expansion to its heart failure care. 

According to a press release, the cardiac catheterization lab team recently implanted its first sensor in a patient's pulmonary artery to continuously monitor the pressure within the person's heart. 

The sensor is said to be about the size of a paper clip, and detects rising pressure in the heart to indicate early fluid accumulation and worsening heart failure. 

“This device enables monitoring between clinic visits, so we can intervene early instead of reacting after symptoms worsen,” said Jacqueline Dawson Dowe, a cardiologist with Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute. “That means we can make timely adjustments to treatment, which can reduce hospitalizations. For our patients, it can also provide peace of mind, knowing that we’re staying on top of their heart health.”

Patients interested in the monitoring sensor must meet specific criteria before going through the outpatient procedure.