Implantation of a cardiac contractility modulator in chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation: results of a 6-month follow-up of one hundred patients

Aim : to study the effect of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Materials and methods . In a group of 100 patients with CHF and AF, the following studies were performed before implantation of the CCM and after 6 months of follow-up: 12-channel ECG, transthoracic Echocardiography, 6-minute walk test, determination of the level of pro-natriuretic N-terminal peptide (NT-proBNP), and a questionnaire based on the Minnesota quality of life questionnaire for patients with CHF (MHFLQ). All patients received long-term optimal medication therapy for CHF before surgery. Results . The results show a positive effect of the use of MCC in patients with CHF and AF on reverse LV remodeling, functional class of CHF, and levels of NT-pro-BNP regardless of the form of AF. Conclusion . The use of MCC may be a promising treatment method in addition to optimal medication therapy in patients with CHF and AF.