Novel device-based techniques to promote exercise capacity in heart failure
Despite major advances in medical therapy, many patients with heart failure remain limited by symptoms and reduced exercise capacity. This PhD project investigates novel device-based therapies aimed at improving cardiac function and exercise capacity across the spectrum of heart failure.
A major focus is conduction system pacing (CSP), a physiological pacing strategy that activates the heart's native electrical conduction system. In the multicentre randomized ECSPAND trial, we investigate whether CSP improves exercise capacity, quality of life and cardiac function compared with conventional pacing. The LOOP projectcomplements this by using invasive pressure-volume loop measurements to study the immediate haemodynamic effects of different pacing strategies, providing mechanistic insight into how CSP may improve cardiac performance.
In parallel, we investigate cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) as a device-based treatment for patients who are not eligible for conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy, with a focus on exercise capacity, myocardial energetics and underlying molecular mechanisms.
By combining clinical trials with advanced exercise testing, invasive haemodynamic assessment and translational analyses, this project aims to better understand how novel device therapies can improve functional capacity in patients with heart failure.
Funding: BHF, Fonds voor cardiochirurgie
Researcher: Verelst Faro
Promotor: Gevaert Andreas, Van Craenenbroeck Emeline, Heidbuchel Hein