While some of the effects of CCM® happen to the heart immediately, others can take weeks to months to occur. Different hearts respond differently based on a host of factors; not just how severe your heart failure may be.  You may or may not feel some of these effects immediately, but some cases can take 3-6 months or more to show significant improvement in your symptoms. Your cardiologist will make a determination about when to reevaluate your heart function, and it may take several follow-up evaluations to see the full benefit of CCM® therapy over time.

Yes, many patients with a CCM® device can undergo an MRI. The CCM device is designed to be used with a wide variety of pacing leads, many of which are compatible with MRI under specified conditions.

Because MRI eligibility is based on the complete implanted system, your healthcare team should confirm the specific CCM device, leads, and any other implanted cardiac devices before your MRI. They can also determine whether any programming or follow-up steps are needed.

There are no long-term side effects seen with CCM® therapy in clinical studies or real-world usage so far, nor is there expected to be any negative effects from this therapy.  Generally, any complications that could occur over time are the same as those that could potentially occur with any other implanted device, including infection or minimal risk of mechanical damage to the CCM® device or its wires.  Fortunately, a quick system check is performed by your charger prior to each charging session (and in some cases each night, if plugged in nearby) and this can alert you to any issues that could potentially interrupt your CCM® therapy.  Therefore, it is important that you call the Impulse Dynamics patient support line or notify your cardiologist as soon as possible after receiving any alerts on your charging device.

CCM is intended to work with your medications, not as a substitute for them. As such, you should continue your medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Generally not. If you do, the device can usually be reprogrammed to eliminate that sensation.

Medicare has a national coverage determination for CCM® Therapy. If you meet the FDA indications for the device, your physician’s office can check whether you meet Medicare’s coverage criteria. Medicare Advantage, commercial, and other insurance plans may require prior authorization. Our team is available to help your physician’s office review coverage and navigate the authorization process.

CCM is relatively new and awareness has been building over the past several years. The pandemic slowed the company’s ability to share information about the device (as access to hospitals and physicians was limited). Hence, many physicians are just now becoming aware of the benefits of CCM therapy.

These therapies are designed to help with different heart problems.

Pacemakers help manage heart rhythms that are too slow. ICDs monitor for dangerous fast heart rhythms and can deliver therapy to help restore a safer rhythm. CRT-D devices help coordinate the heart’s lower chambers so they pump together more effectively and can also treat certain dangerous heart rhythms.

CCM® Therapy works differently. It sends small electrical impulses to the heart to help the heart pump stronger, which helps send more oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. CCM Therapy has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms associated with heart failure.

Although the CCM device resembles a pacemaker and is implanted through a similar procedure, the therapy itself works differently. CCM Therapy does not pace the heart or treat abnormal heart rhythms.

Some patients may receive CCM Therapy in addition to a pacemaker or ICD.

There are four categories of medications that have shown the ability to improve patients’ survival and to reduce heart failure hospitalizations. You should discuss your medication regimen with your physician.

The CCM® device is typically implanted using local anesthesia to numb the implant area along with conscious sedation to help you remain comfortable and relaxed. You may be awake but drowsy during the procedure. In some cases, deeper sedation or general anesthesia may be used based on your health, the hospital’s practices, and your physician’s recommendation.

Afterward, you will be monitored while the medication wears off. How long you feel the effects of these medications may depend on the type of anesthesia you receive. Your care team will explain the anesthesia plan and what to expect before your procedure.

So far, less than 5% of all historical implants have required replacement for battery depletion.

Clinical studies have shown that CCM® Therapy can improve symptoms and quality of life in appropriate patients with heart failure. Patients treated with CCM Therapy have demonstrated improvements in 6-minute walk distance, quality of life, and functional status.

Individual results may vary, and your doctor can help determine whether CCM Therapy may be appropriate for you.

The procedure is typically an outpatient procedure and, depending on the protocols at your implanting facility, you should be able to go home the next day or may even be able to go home the same day. You will be provided with instructions from the facility when you leave, but generally patients are seen for a wound check visit within 1-2 weeks after discharge and are asked not to lift the arm above your head on the side of the implant (i.e., right chest implant, right arm affected) for 5-6 weeks. In some instances, a sling may be provided to help prevent you from moving the arm excessively.