Use of a novel implantable inferior vena cava (IVC) sensor to remotely monitor patients with heart failure (HF) may be accurate, safe and feasible, based on findings from the FUTURE-HF study published April 9 in JACC: Heart Failure.

As part of the first-in-human study, 50 patients underwent successful implantation of the IVC sensor, with 49 ultimately contributing to the primary safety and technical endpoints at three months. All participants had been hospitalized for HF within the previous year, had elevated natriuretic peptide levels, and were on optimal HF treatment. The average age was 66 years and 14% were women.

The primary safety endpoint was procedural success without device- or procedure-related complications at three months. According to the study investigators, implantation was 100% successful, with immediate signal transmission and no clinically significant device- or procedure-related events or complications. A total of 3 deaths were reported during the six-month follow-up unrelated to the device or procedure.

Researchers also compared sensor-derived IVC area with computed tomography (CT)–based IVC dimensions and found strong agreement with measurements. Additionally, patient adherence to daily readings and exploratory clinical findings were assessed at six months, with study investigators noting median adherence of 96%. In other findings, exploratory analyses of clinical outcomes also suggested improvements in N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide, NYHA functional class, quality of life and reduced HF events.

"The primary goal of HF management is to prevent urgent HF readmissions. Being able to detect volume overload (and hypovolemia) earlier than existing technologies is essential to interact sooner with patients to decrease residual HF risk," said Paul R. Kalra, MA, MB BCHIR, MD, et al. "The present findings ... show that remote monitoring of IVC dimensions is feasible, with high accuracy and without safety concerns. The remote monitoring aspect of the IVC management system, with the future possibility of direct feedback to the patient, means that this could be achieved with minimal clinic visits and serve to empower patients with HF in self-management of their disease state."