Cardiac Contractility Modulation, or CCM, is a therapy to reduce the symptoms of heart failure, helping to give you more energy and improve your quality of life. CCM involves a small device implanted in the chest to support heart function.
Heart failure is a serious medical condition that occurs when your heart muscle is not able to pump enough blood for your body and organs to function well. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, dizziness, and confusion. With advanced heart failure, extreme symptoms can make everyday tasks difficult or impossible.
Though the CCM therapy does not cure or treat the source of a patient’s heart failure, it does help to reduce symptoms.
What to Expect: CCM Therapy
After implant, your physician will activate the CCM device and stimulate the heart muscle. This boosts the heart’s ability to squeeze, helping it to pump blood more effectively, which then reduces the most debilitating symptoms of heart failure.
Use of the device does not cause any pain or discomfort. Individuals with the device must charge it for one hour each week via a charger that sits directly on the chest.
However, not everyone with heart failure is eligible for this treatment. Candidates for CCM have:
- Mild to moderate heart failure
- Symptoms that interfere with daily life
- Previously tried at least four medications to control heart failure without success
Why Temple Health for Cardiac Contractility Modulation
Temple electrophysiologists are among the best in the region, with extensive experience treating patients with CCM therapy.
Our specialists are consistently rated among the city’s “Top Doctors,” and practice in state-of-the-art operating and cardiac catheterization facilities.
Studies have shown that cardiac contractility modulation is safe and effective in improving heart function and also improves quality of life.
The surgical staff who implants these devices work closely with the specialists at the Temple Heart & Vascular Institute — Advanced Heart Failure Program, to further ensure the management of heart failure after the procedure.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of Cardiac Contractility Modulation, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (855-820-6776) today.
Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat Cardiac Contractility Modulation.