Cardiac specialists at the University of Rochester Medical Center are studying an investigational device that wraps around the enlarged hearts of heart failure patients in an effort to possibly prevent them from enlarging further. The first case was performed July 16.
URMC has been chosen as a site for the PEERLESS-HF (Prospective Evaluation of Elastic Restraint to LESSen the effects of Heart Failure) clinical research trial. It is being led by cardiologist Leway Chen, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Program in Heart Failure and Transplantation, and transplant surgeon H. Todd Massey, M.D., surgical director of the Program in Heart Failure and Transplantation and director of the Artificial Heart Program.
Paracor Medical Inc. is sponsoring the study that will evaluate its HeartNet therapy. The HeartNet Ventricular Support System implant is delivered in a less-invasive surgical procedure that can typically be completed in less than 90 minutes. This elastic device provides continuous support to the walls of the heart's pumping chambers, the ventricles. It is the intent of HeartNet to stop or control further enlargement of the heart and alleviate the symptoms of advanced heart failure, which can include extreme fatigue, swelling in the extremities and shortness of breath.
"We are studying this therapy to see if it is possible that treatment with the HeartNet Ventricular Support System will improve signs and symptoms of heart failure," Chen said. "For patients living with heart failure and its debilitating effects, the potential for improved quality of life offers hope."