BACKGROUND: The C-Pulse® System is an extra-aortic balloon counterpulsation device. It is used to treat patients with heart failure disease in NYHA functional class III or ambulatory class IV.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present preliminary site-reported 6-month data from 3 centers in Germany as part of the prospective observational post-market OPTIONS HF study.

RESULTS: Between May 2013 and March 2014, the C-Pulse System was implanted in 8 patients (7 male) with a mean age of 61.6±9.3 years. Four had ischemic and 4 had non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. No stroke, myocardial infarction, major bleeding, or major infection due to the device were reported. One patient developed non-device-related refractory tachycardia with worsening heart failure 12 h after surgery and underwent left ventricular assist device implantation. Within 6 months of observation, functional status improved from NYHA III to II in 5 patients, and 2 remained in NYHA III. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 24.3±7.9% to 44.5±4.5% (p<0.0001). Mean Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall score improved from 28.6±19.1 to 59.1±22.5 (p=0.0183). Six-minute walk test was performed in 6 out of 7 patients at follow-up. The mean distance improved from 252.0±85.1 m to 279.2±87.5 m (p>0.05). One patient was weaned off the device after 6 months of support.

CONCLUSIONS: The C-Pulse System provides a therapeutic option for patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure and seems to improve quality of life and cardiac function over time.

Keywords: Counterpulsation - instrumentation, Cardiomyopathies - therapy, Germany, Heart Failure - therapy, Product Surveillance, Postmarketing, Prospective Studies