Abbott’s CardioMEMS HF System is effective at reducing heart failure hospitalizations and combat the rising cost of heart failure, according to data presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 66th Annual  Scientific Sessions and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC).

The system is an FDA-approved implant monitor that has been shown to significantly reduce heart failure hospital admissions and improve the quality of life in patients with heart failure (NYHA Class III), according to the company.

Data presented at ACC 2017 found a 46% reduction in heart failure hospitalizations in patients six months after receiving the CardioMEMS HF System, and a 34% reduction at 12 months post-implant. The data are consistent with what was seen in the CHAMPION clinical trial, further confirming that when physicians adjust medications based on the patient’s pulmonary artery pressures, related hospitalizations are significantly reduced.

“These results support the clinical effectiveness and potential cost savings of using an implantable hemodynamic monitor to help with heart failure management,” said Akshay Desai, MD, director of the Heart Failure Disease Management Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “Reducing heart failure hospitalizations is an important goal for patients and hospitals alike, and may help to improve long-term clinical outcomes and quality of life for our patients.”

The data also showcased important cost-savings captured through reductions in heart failure hospitalizations associated with the use of the CardioMEMS HF System. In particular, in the six months post-implant, each patient had an average reduction of more than $10,500 in comprehensive health care costs compared to the six months prior to implant. Twelve month post-implant analysis showed a $13,190 reduction in costs per patient.

“The reduction in hospitalizations and costs associated with heart failure confirmed by these data shows that proactive patient management with the CardioMEMS HF System is successful in mainstream practice and results in improved clinical outcomes,” said Philip Adamson, MD, medical director of Abbott’s heart failure business. “Success with this technology for us means helping patients get back to living their life.”