Gradual LVAD Speed Changes to Test Heart Recovery in Heart Failure
Tests slowly lowering LVAD speed to raise heart workload in adults with end-stage heart failure.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: LVAD Conditioning for Cardiac Recovery
Key facts
- Where
- Salt Lake City, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- University of UtahSalt Lake City, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- STAVROS G DRAKOS
- Trial code
- NCT03238690
- Record updated
- 13 August 2026
- Original description
The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential recovery of heart function in end-stage heart failure patients supported with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) through applying a myocardial conditioning protocol. During myocardial conditioning, LVAD speed is reduced gradually in order to increase the work load of the heart. Multiple previous studies have shown that interventions like this may improve heart function and give patients the opportunity for a better quality of life.Read full original descriptionShow less
Sequential Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Unloading and Conditioning to Induce Sustained Cardiac Recovery
The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential recovery of heart function in end-stage heart failure patients supported with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) through applying a myocardial conditioning protocol. During myocardial conditioning, LVAD speed is reduced gradually in order to increase the work load of the heart. Multiple previous studies have shown that interventions like this may improve heart function and give patients the opportunity for a better quality of life.
Inclusion: Diagnosed with heart failure undergoing LVAD implantation as a bridge to transplant; Enrolled in the Effects of Mechanical Unloading on Myocardial Function and Structure study (IRB 30622).
Exclusion: Neither the subject nor the subject's representative is willing to provide written consent for participation; Subjects with adverse events leading to hospitalization during the optimum unloading phase are excluded from participation in the controlled reloading phase.