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Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Published on: February 13, 2021
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Aortic thoracic neuromodulation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Pasquale Paolisso1,2, Amir Dagan3, Emanuele Gallinoro1,4
1Cardiovascular Center Aalst, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium.
ESC Heart Failure
|September 24, 2022
Summary
Device therapy stimulating aortic vagal afferents improved heart function and fitness in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This approach shows promise for treating HFpEF by restoring autonomic balance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Medical therapies for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are limited.
- Autonomic imbalance, characterized by reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activity, worsens HFpEF outcomes.
- Thoracic aortic vagal afferents are key mediators of parasympathetic signaling.
Observation:
- A first-in-man study evaluated chronic stimulation of aortic vagal afferents using the Harmony™ System.
- The study monitored structural and functional cardiac changes over a one-year follow-up period.
Findings:
- Chronic stimulation of aortic vagal afferents led to improved left atrial remodeling and function.
- Left ventricular performance also showed improvement.
- These cardiac improvements remained stable throughout the one-year follow-up.
- Patients experienced enhanced symptoms and physical fitness.
Implications:
- Endovascular stimulation of aortic thoracic afferents represents a novel device-based treatment strategy for HFpEF.
- This approach may restore autonomic balance and improve cardiac function in HFpEF patients.
- Further validation is warranted to establish this as a viable interventional option.
Keywords:
Aortic thoracic neuromodulationAutonomic imbalanceEnopaceHarmony™ systemHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)More Related Videos
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