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Updated: May 11, 2026
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Evaluation of Cardiac Contractility Modulation Therapy in 2D Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Published on: December 16, 2022
Cardiac contractility modulation in patients with advanced heart failure
Rami Kahwash1, Daniel Burkhoff, William T Abraham
1Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, 473 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. rami.kahwash@osumc.edu
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|April 30, 2013
Summary
Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a novel therapy for heart failure. This device therapy improves left ventricular contraction and enhances exercise tolerance in patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Heart Failure Therapeutics
Background:
- Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is an innovative device-based therapy for heart failure.
- It utilizes electrical signals during the myocardial action potential's absolute refractory period.
- CCM augments left ventricular contraction strength independently of oxygen consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of CCM in heart failure.
- To evaluate CCM's impact on myocardial calcium handling and gene expression.
- To assess CCM's clinical benefits on exercise capacity and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Application of electrical signals during the absolute refractory period.
- Analysis of myocardial tissue for gene expression and protein pathway alterations.
- Clinical trials measuring VO(2,peak) and quality of life using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- CCM demonstrated improved left ventricular contractility in animal models and human heart failure patients.
- Tissue analysis revealed a shift in gene expression towards normal function, impacting calcium cycling and contraction pathways.
- Clinical trials showed significant improvements in exercise tolerance and quality of life.
Conclusions:
- CCM offers a novel therapeutic approach for heart failure by modulating myocardial calcium handling and gene expression.
- The therapy is effective in improving clinical outcomes, including exercise capacity and quality of life.
- CCM is a promising treatment option for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, with ongoing trials for broader application.
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