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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Evaluation of Cardiac Contractility Modulation Therapy in 2D Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Published on: December 16, 2022
[Cardiac contractility modulation: a new option for treating systolic heart failure]
D Rottlaender1, G Michels, U C Hoppe
1Klinik III für Innere Medizin, Universitätsklinik zu Köln.
Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) improves exercise capacity and quality of life in advanced systolic heart failure patients. This innovative electrical therapy offers a safe option for enhancing ventricular function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrophysiology
Context:
- Advanced systolic heart failure presents significant challenges in improving ventricular contractility.
- Current treatments may be limited by patient characteristics like dyssynchrony or QRS prolongation.
- Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) offers a novel electrical approach.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of CCM treatment in patients with systolic heart failure.
- To assess the impact of CCM on exercise capacity and quality of life.
- To determine the safety profile of CCM implantation and stimulation.
Summary:
- The FIX-CHF-4 trial, a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study, involved 164 patients with ejection fraction ≤35%.
- CCM device implantation is similar to pacemaker procedures, utilizing three electrodes for sensing and stimulation.
- After three months, patients showed improved six-minute walk distance and enhanced quality of life, with unchanged ejection fraction.
Impact:
- CCM demonstrates potential for improving exercise tolerance and quality of life in heart failure patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
- CCM is a safe electrical treatment option for selected heart failure patients.
- Further long-term studies are warranted to assess morbidity and mortality outcomes.
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