Nashua’s St. Joseph Hospital brings first-in-NH heart failure monitoring technology to patients » Nashua Ink Link

June 21, 2026 - 00:33

NASHUA, NH -- St. Joseph Hospital, working alongside Cardiovascular Specialists of New England, has completed the state's first procedure using a new heart failure monitoring technology. The device, implanted in the body, allows doctors to track fluid buildup in the lungs before a patient feels symptoms.

The system uses a small sensor placed in the pulmonary artery. It sends daily readings to a medical team, who can then adjust medications early to prevent a crisis. This approach aims to cut down on emergency room visits and hospital stays for people living with chronic heart failure.

Dr. Mark Wish, an interventional cardiologist with CSNE, said the technology gives doctors a direct look at pressure changes inside the heart. "We are no longer waiting for the patient to tell us something is wrong," he explained. "We can see the trend developing and intervene before they become short of breath or need to come to the hospital."

Hospital officials noted that heart failure is a leading cause of hospitalization in the region. The new monitoring method is designed for patients who have already been hospitalized for the condition or who have struggled to manage their symptoms with standard treatments.

The procedure was performed at St. Joseph Hospital's cardiac catheterization lab. The patient is recovering well and has started transmitting data to the care team. Hospital leaders said they hope the technology will improve quality of life for local residents and reduce the burden on emergency services.