Synchronized Diaphragmatic Stimulation for Heart Failure

This study, called RECOVER HF, is testing a new device called Synchronized Diaphragmatic Stimulation (SDS) using the VisONE System for people with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This device works by gently stimulating your diaphragm (the muscle that helps you breathe) in sync with your heart. The goal is to improve how your heart fills and performs. You might be able to join if you have symptomatic heart failure (NYHA classes II/III), are already on optimal heart failure medications, and have an ejection fraction (EF) of 40% or less. The study will look at how the device affects your heart's pumping ability, your walking distance, and your quality of life after 6 months.

Study design
This is a randomized, double-blinded study, meaning some participants will receive the active treatment and others a control, without knowing which. It plans to enroll 270 participants.
What's involved
All participants will have a VisONE System implanted. The primary outcomes are measured at 6 months.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The main study outcomes are measured at 6 months after the intervention.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06552637

Synchronized Diaphragmatic Stimulation in Symptomatic Heart Failure

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
VisCardia Inc.
~270 participants
Updated 2026-07-30 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Synchronized Diaphragmatic Stimulation

At a glance

Recruiting sites
3 of 3 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Left ventricular End-Systolic Volume (LVESV)
Measured over 6 months
+3 more outcomes measured
Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

NCT06552637

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 3 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Saint Francis Hospital

    Tulsa, Oklahomastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Tbilisi Heart and Vascular Clinic

    Tbilisi, Georgiastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • University of Pennsylvania

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvaniastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Lee R Goldberg, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pennsylvania

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Want this trial checked against your situation?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

NYHA classes II/III on optimal Guideline Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT)
QRS duration ≤ 130 ms
EF≤ 40%

Exclusion

Baseline 6 minute walk test \> 500 meters or \< 200 meters
NT-proBNP\< 250 if on loop diuretics, or NT-proBNP \< 500 if not on loop diuretics
Supine resting heart rate \> 140 bpm
Systolic blood pressure \< 80 mmHg or \> 170 mmHg
Serum creatinine \> 2.5 mg/dL
Serum hepatic function 3x ULN
Any of the following within the previous 3 months: unstable angina, AMI, CABG, PTCA, CVA/TIA, persistent AF (\> 24 hours), symptomatic NSVT or DCCV
Any inotropic drug treatment within the previous 3 months
Bradycardia (heart rate \< 50 beats/min), atrial arrhythmias with rates \> 100 beats/min, sustained ventricular tachycardia or frequent ventricular ectopy \>10% present during screening
Significant uncontrolled symptomatic bradyarrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, unstable ventricular arrhythmias or frequent ventricular ectopy \> 10% documented within the previous 3 months
Reversible non-ischemic cardiomyopathy
Valvular disease requiring intervention within the next 12 months or presence of significant valve disease as determined by the site cardiologist as:
Severe primary pulmonary disease, including pulmonary arterial hypertension. PAP sys \>70 mmHg at rest
Severe COPD, other respiratory or lung diseases where FEV \< 50%
Presence of more than small pleural effusion or history of pleural drainage within the previous 6 months
Known history of diaphragmatic paralysis or suspicion confirmed by unilateral or bilateral elevation of the diaphragm on chest x-ray
Pericardial disease
Diabetic neuropathy
Existing diaphragmatic stimulation for respiration assist
Present LVAD, Baroreflex Activation Therapy, Cardiac Contractility Modulation or interatrial shunt devices; temporary mechanical cardiac assist devices (current or within the previous 3 months); or CRT that is indicated or implanted and functional
Contraindications to laparoscopic access to the diaphragm, as determined by the implanting physician
Known intra-abdominal pathology which could increase the risk of laparoscopic access to the diaphragm.
Previous open laparotomy within 1 year
Previous thoracic or abdominal organ transplant
Drug induced immuno-suppression
Body mass index \> 40
Enrollment in a concurrent investigation / clinical study
Having a life expectancy of \<1 year due to any condition
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy during the study period
Known allergies to implantable device materials
History of systemic infection requiring the use of intravenous antibiotics within the previous 3 months
  • Left ventricular End-Systolic Volume (LVESV)6 months

    To demonstrate that treatment with the VisONE System (SDS) plus GDMT results in a larger percent improvement in LVESV at 6 months post-randomization from baseline than medical management alone.

  • Six Minute Hall Walk (6MHW)6 months

    To demonstrate that treatment with the VisONE System (SDS) plus GDMT results in a larger improvement in 6MHW at 6 months post-randomization from baseline than medical management alone.

  • Minnesota Living with Heart Failure quality of Life Score (MLWHF QOL)6 months

    To demonstrate that treatment with the VisONE System (SDS) plus GDMT results in a larger improvement in MLWHF QOL at 6 months post-randomization from baseline than medical management alone.

  • Major Adverse Respiratory and Cardiovascular Events (MARCE)6 months

    To demonstrate the safety of the VisONE System by analyzing Major Adverse Respiratory and Cardiovascular Events (MARCE) occurring within 6 months post implant for the rate, severity and association with the device or procedure (goal \>70% freedom): * Cardiovascular Death * Stroke * Cardiac Arrest * Interaction with cardiac rhythm device requiring permanent termination of SDS therapy * Acute Heart Failure Decompensation * Infection requiring device/lead explant * Diaphragmatic dysfunction leading to a clinically significant reduction is respiratory function * Inadequate SDS therapy delivery requiring surgical intervention * Injury to abdominal organs requiring surgical intervention * Pneumothorax * Hemothorax