Health Technology Wales has published guidance recommending the routine adoption of pulmonary artery pressure sensors (PAPS) to monitor the treatment of people with chronic heart failure in Wales.
According to Health Technology Wales’s guidance, evidence shows that use of PAPS reduces hospitalisations for heart failure and may improve people’s quality of life.
The sensors, which measure the pressure of the blood flow in the artery, are placed into the left pulmonary artery. Readings are taken from the sensor by a special pillow which the person being treated lies down on at least once a day.
A rise in pulmonary artery pressure can be an early warning sign in people being treated for chronic heart failure. If this rise in pressure can be detected, then treatment can be introduced or adjusted to help manage the condition.
