A wearable mini-pump device that enables heart failure patients to receive medication at home rather than in hospital has been hailed as a significant advancement in treatment. Researchers from a UK-wide trial have found the device and drug combination to be safe and effective, allowing patients to be discharged days earlier than usual.
Trial Results Show Promise
Heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, often leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs or legs. This causes symptoms like shortness of breath and swelling. When diuretic tablets fail, patients typically require hospital admission for intravenous diuretics, averaging nine to ten days of treatment with furosemide.
The SUBCUT HF II trial, led by the University of Glasgow, involved 172 heart failure patients across 20 UK hospitals. Participants were taught to use the mini-pump, which attaches to the abdomen, and were monitored for 24 hours before discharge to ensure safe home use. Ninety-two patients used the device, while 80 received standard care.
The study found that those using the device were no more likely to become unwell and showed similar recovery rates to the control group. Professor Mark Petrie, co-lead author, described the results as a "leap forward" in treating heart failure, benefiting both patients and the NHS.
Patient Experience
Stephen Allan, 65, from Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, participated in the trial after being admitted to hospital with fluid retention in 2024. Diagnosed with heart failure in 2015, he found the device easy to use and appreciated the freedom to recover at home. "The greatest thing about it is the new treatment method gave me the freedom to get home to family and be more comfortable," he said.
Impact on Healthcare
Researchers noted that participants were discharged after about two days, five days earlier than the UK average. This reduction in hospital stays could alleviate pressure on healthcare systems. Dr. Ross Campbell, co-lead author, emphasised that patients can safely administer their own treatment at home, thanks to a partnership between the NHS, the University of Glasgow, and industry.
The findings were presented at Heart Failure 2026, the annual congress of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology in Barcelona.
