September 10, 2015 — Sunshine Heart Inc. announced commencement of a new study examining the impact of the C-Pulse system on pulmonary circulation and right heart related to pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. The study is a collaborative effort with Mark Slaughter, M.D., and the University of Louisville.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a debilitating condition characterized by progressive increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and loss of elasticity of the pulmonary artery and large vessels. Patients with PAH suffer from poor quality of life, shortness of breath and greatly reduced functional capacity leading to right ventricular dysfunction and ultimately, right heart failure. PAH afflicts approximately 200,000 patients worldwide and places a significant burden on the healthcare system, with limited treatment options available and five-year survival rates as low as 34 percent. PAH and right heart failure are also commonly associated with left heart failure. Approximately 50 percent of patients with systolic heart failure or preserved ejection fraction heart failure (HFpEF) have PAH with similar five-year outcomes. PAH and right heart failure also continue to remain a significant risk in the left ventricular assist device patient population.
These studies hope to provide scientific rationale for a new application of current C-Pulse therapy by leveraging the existing technology to apply counterpulsation to the pulmonary artery in acute and chronic animal preparations. Biochemical, neurohormonal, and pressure-volume data will be used to assess the effects of C-Pulse on pulmonary circulation and right and left heart properties. A fully implantable system may provide therapeutic options in HFpEF populations with PAH where there are currently no approved treatments.
For more information: www.sunshineheart.com
April 01, 2024 
