Cardiac Contractility Modulation Improves Left Ventricular Function, Including Global Longitudinal Strain, in...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) affects millions globally.
• Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is an emerging therapy for HFrEF.
• The impact of CCM on left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), a key prognostic marker, remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of CCM therapy on GLS in HFrEF patients.
• To assess changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF) and quality of life (QoL) alongside GLS.
• To identify patient subgroups that may benefit most from CCM regarding GLS improvement.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study enrolling 22 HFrEF patients (LVEF < 45%, NYHA II-IV) receiving CCM.
• Standardized echocardiography, including GLS assessment, performed every 3 months.
• Linear regression analysis to identify factors influencing CCM's effect on GLS.

Main Results:

• CCM therapy significantly improved GLS, LV-EF, and Kansas City Heart Failure Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores (p < 0.05).
• Positive effects on GLS were more pronounced in females, non-ischemic HFrEF patients, and those ≤ 69 years old (p < 0.05).
• 19 patients received CCM implantation, with therapy initiated at a mean of 59 ± 65 days.

Conclusions:

• CCM therapy enhances GLS and LV-EF in HFrEF patients.
• CCM improves quality of life in HFrEF patients.
• Specific patient characteristics may predict a greater GLS response to CCM.