Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM) Therapy

If you’re experiencing heart failure, your provider may recommend cardiac contractility modulation therapy to help relieve your symptoms.
Request an Appointment
For all requests:
1-319-356-7102
For all other requests:
1-800-777-8442

Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) therapy is an advanced treatment for heart failure. 

It involves implanting a small device in your chest that sends electrical pulses to your heart. These pulses help your heart beat more effectively and can reduce common heart failure symptoms such as:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Swelling in the legs

At University of Iowa Health Care Heart and Vascular Center, we offer Iowa’s most comprehensive heart failure program. Our team includes Iowa’s largest and most experienced group of cardiac electrophysiologists who specialize in implantable cardiac devices. Together, our heart failure and electrophysiology experts will work with you to determine whether CCM therapy is right for you.

How cardiac contractility modulation therapy works

Cardiac contractility refers to the strength of your heart muscle when it contracts. Heart failure often weakens this ability, making it harder for your heart to pump blood effectively throughout your body.

Unlike other implanted cardiac devices — such as pacemakers or defibrillators, which focus on heart rhythm — CCM therapy uses electrical pulses to improve the strength of your heart’s contractions. This helps your heart pump blood more efficiently.

The CCM device includes a pulse generator and two leads (wires). It sends precisely timed electrical pulses through the leads into your heart for five hours each day, delivered in one-hour sessions at regular intervals.

What to expect when receiving cardiac contractility modulation therapy

Your CCM device will be placed by an experienced electrophysiologist in one of our state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs. The procedure typically takes about two hours, and most patients go home the same day.

  • Before the procedure: You’ll receive light sedation to help you stay comfortable.
  • During the procedure: Your provider will make a small incision in your upper chest, insert the pulse generator, and attach the leads to your heart’s right ventricle.
  • After the procedure: You’ll be monitored for a few hours in the hospital. Before you leave, your care team will review instructions for your recovery at home.

Once you’ve healed, you’ll return for a follow-up visit. At that appointment, your provider will program and activate the device.

Who can benefit from cardiac contractility modulation therapy?

CCM therapy is a promising option for people with heart failure whose symptoms haven’t improved with other treatments.

Your provider may recommend CCM therapy if you:

  • Have moderate to severe heart failure
  • Experience symptoms that make everyday activities difficult
  • Have an ejection fraction (a measure of how well your heart pumps blood) between 25% and 45%

Not sure if cardiac contractility modulation therapy is right for you?

When you call, we’ll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-319-356-7102 Request an appointment Refer a patient

Locations and Offices

Region

Related Health Topics

Browse More
Do you know the early signs of heart failure?
May 17, 2022
About 900,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with heart failure every year. More than half of those diagnosed are women, and 56% of the peo...
Heart failure medicine dos and don'ts: What to avoid
July 2, 2016
Medicine do's and dont's: What to avoid

Awards and Recognition

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Distinction® Center+ designation
Expertise in cardiac care has earned UI Health Care the Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Distinction® Center+ designation. This means we’re a center of excellence that delivers high-quality, specialized care and better results.