The CardioMEMS HF System helps clinicians in monitoring pulmonary artery (PA) pressures, in order to proactively manage medications and other treatment options.

St. Jude noted that the HF System is supported by strong clinical evidence, comprising data from the CHAMPION (CardioMEMS Heart Sensor Allows Monitoring of Pressure to Improve Outcomes in NYHA Class III Patients).

The CHAMPION trial said to have shown a 37% reduction in HF hospitalizations during an average follow-up period of 15 months.

St. Jude Medical group president Eric Fain said the CMS recognizes the substantial clinical benefit offered by the CardioMEMS HF System.

"This favorable decision helps ensure that Medicare patients have access to this innovative technology as we introduce CardioMEMS as a new treatment paradigm to proactively manage heart failure, improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital admissions," Fain added.

According to St. Jude Medical, around five million Americans suffer from HF, which includes one million hospitalizations and 2.8 million office and emergency department visits a year.

In the US, about $31bn has been spent annually on HF, while it is expected to reach around $70bn by 2030.

St. Jude, which is headquartered in St. Paul of Minnesota, focuses on four major clinical areas such as cardiac rhythm management, atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular and neuromodulation.