CIS is First to Use CardioMEMS System for Heart Failure at Baton Rouge General

BATON ROUGE- Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) interventional cardiologist, Dr. Niksad Abraham, is the first at Baton Rouge General to use the CardioMEMS™ HF System to treat heart failure.

The CardioMEMS™ HF System uses a miniaturized, wireless monitoring sensor, no larger than the size of a small paperclip, which is implanted through a minimally-invasive procedure directly into the patient's pulmonary artery to directly measure pressure. While at home, patients lay on a special pillow for about 18 seconds to wirelessly take a pressure reading. Data from the sensor is collected through radiofrequency to the pillow's antenna and is sent securely to the physician through the patient management website. A physician can then proactively adjust medications and treatment plans if needed, and ultimately reduce the chance of hospitalization.

For the 5.7 million people who suffer from heart failure in the U.S., changes in the blood pressure through the pulmonary artery can indicate worsening heart failure—even before symptoms such as shortness of breath or weight gain are reported. Abbott's CardioMEMS HF System redefines this traditional approach to care by allowing physicians to remotely monitor pressure changes before the patient's symptoms progress. This personalized approach allows physicians to more proactively manage a patient's care while reducing the likelihood of hospitalization.

Benefits of the CardioMEMS HF System include:

• Your doctor and care team can use the sensor information without you needing to visit the clinic or hospital
• It is simple and easy to use
• The sensor does not need a battery or replaceable parts

“This is a breakthrough for heart failure patients,” explained Dr. Abraham. “It allows us to more closely monitor our patients with heart failure, bringing them better quality of life while reducing their likelihood of hospitalization.”

To learn more, or to schedule an appointment at CIS, visit www.cardio.com.

About Cardiovascular Institute of the South
Founded by Dr. Craig Walker in 1983, Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is a world-leader in preventing, detecting and treating cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. CIS offers a comprehensive heart and vascular program with expert physicians trained in many specialties, including internal medicine, nuclear cardiology, electrophysiology, lipid management, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, valve disease and interventional cardiovascular procedures. CIS has earned international acclaim as a pioneer of research, development and education, as well as an innovator in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. With a dedicated team of more than 920 team members, CIS provides comprehensive cardiovascular care at 21 locations across Louisiana and Mississippi, with nine telemedicine programs. CIS remains at the forefront of technology, providing the highest-quality, compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 37 years of excellence. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit www.cardio.com.