Dr. James Flynn of Cardiovascular Specialists of New England (third from right) and the cardiac catheterization laboratory team at St. Joseph Hospital recently performed the state’s first implantation of the Cordella Pulmonary Artery Sensor System. Courtesy photo/St. Joseph Hospital

NASHUA — St. Joseph Hospital, in partnership with Cardiovascular Specialists of New England, has successfully performed New Hampshire’s first implantation of the Cordella Pulmonary Artery Sensor System, marking a significant advancement in heart failure care.

The procedure was performed on June 8 by Dr. James Flynn of Cardiovascular Specialists of New England, alongside St. Joseph’s cardiac catheterization laboratory team.

Until now, patients seeking this technology often had to travel to Boston-area medical centers. The availability of the Cordella system at St. Joseph expands access to innovative heart failure care closer to home.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to bringing the latest cardiovascular innovations to the communities we serve,” said Flynn. “The Cordella system provides physicians with valuable information that can help us identify worsening heart failure earlier, adjust treatment proactively, and potentially prevent hospitalizations before they occur.”

Heart failure affects millions of Americans and remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization among older adults. The Cordella system is an implantable, wireless device designed for patients with New York Heart Association Class III heart failure. The sensor is placed in the pulmonary artery during a minimally invasive catheterization procedure and enables patients to transmit pulmonary artery pressure readings and other health data from home to their care team.

Changes in pulmonary artery pressure often occur days or weeks before a patient experiences symptoms of worsening heart failure. By remotely monitoring these changes, physicians can intervene earlier with medication adjustments or other treatments, helping patients avoid emergency department visits and hospital admissions.

“The ability to monitor patients remotely provides an important opportunity to personalize care and respond more quickly when a patient’s condition begins to change,” said Kirk Perry, director of Cardiovascular Services and Diagnostic Imaging at St. Joseph. “This technology allows us to keep a closer eye on our patients while helping them remain safely at home and maintain a better quality of life.”

The Cordella system, developed by Endotronix and now part of Edwards Lifesciences, combines pulmonary artery pressure monitoring with additional health measurements, including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and weight, creating a comprehensive picture of a patient’s condition.

The procedure further strengthens St. Joseph’s cardiovascular program and reflects the organization’s ongoing investment in innovative technologies that improve patient outcomes and expand access to specialized care in southern New Hampshire.