Journal of cardiac failure
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Prospective evaluation of elastic restraint to lessen the effects of heart failure (PEERLESS-HF) trial.
Left ventricular (LV) remodeling predicts poor outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients. The HeartNet(®) cardiac restraint device (Paracor Medical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) may reduce LV remodeling and improve functional capacity, quality of life, and outcomes in HF patients. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the HeartNet Ventricular Support System in HF patients receiving optimal medical therapy. ⋯ Enrollment in the trial was stopped because an interim analysis showed futility of reaching the peak VO(2) end point. However, because of the device safety and favorable signals for LV remodeling and quality of life, further investigation of this device is warranted.
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Guidelines recommend hospice care as a treatment option for end-stage heart failure (HF) patients. Little is known regarding utilization of hospice care in a contemporary cohort of patients hospitalized with HF and how this may vary by estimated mortality risk. ⋯ Hospice utilization remains low among HF patients, even those with the highest predicted risk of death.