Clinical Research

Acorn Device for Treatment of Heart Failure

CorCap Anterior

A mesh-like device that fits around the heart recently underwent clinical trials as a treatment for heart failure. At Columbia University Medical Center, one of five centers nationwide to test the device, Mehmet C. Oz, MD, Vice Chairman, Cardiovascular Services, and Donna Mancini, MD, Medical Director, Cardiac Transplantation, led the trials, which were part of a worldwide effort to determine the device's ability to improve heart function and control heart dilation, or enlargement, a primary symptom of heart failure. The FDA is currently reviewing the trial findings. Dr. Oz anticipates undertaking further investigations of this approach.

The CorCap Cardiac Support Device, manufactured by Acorn Cardiovascular, Inc., resembles a net that is placed around and attached to the heart to support the damaged heart muscle and limit further enlargement. It provides passive support that reduces the stress on the ventricular wall.

Heart Failure Progression