Safety Study of the Ventricular Partitioning Device (VPD) Implant System in Heart Failure Patients

The CardioKinetix Ventricular Partitioning Device (VPD) is intended to isolate the malfunctioning portion of the left ventricle in patients with symptoms of heart failure due to ischemic heart disease. By isolating the malfunctioning portion of the left ventricle, it is hypothesized that the left ventricle will pump more effectively.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Akinesis or dyskinesis due to myocardial infarction limited to anteroapical region
2. Diagnosis of heart failure for a minimum of 6 months prior to enrollment
3. NYHA Class at time of enrollment, either:

   * NYHA Class III or IV - if predominant during the 3-month period prior to enrollment
   * NYHA Class II - if diagnosed with NYHA Class III or IV during 3-month period prior to enrollment and ≥ 1 hospitalization for heart failure during 12-month period prior to enrollment
4. LVEF ≤ 40% as measured by echocardiography
5. Left ventricle must have appropriate anatomy as measured by Cardiac CT per the VPD Implant sizing criteria described in the device's Instructions For Use
6. Eligible for cardiac surgery
7. Between 18 and 74 years of age (inclusive)
8. Receiving appropriate medical treatment for heart failure according to the ACC/AHA 2005 Guideline Update for the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Heart Failure in the Adult during the three months prior to enrollment
9. Female patients with childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test (within 7 days of the procedure) and must agree not to attempt to become pregnant during the course of the study
10. Provide written informed consent
11. Agree to the protocol-required follow-up

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Myocardial ischemia requiring PCI or CABG
2. Acute MI (see MI definition) within 60 days of enrollment or patients with suspected evolving MI at time of enrollment
3. Cardiogenic shock within 72 hours of enrollment
4. Revascularization procedure (PCI or CABG) within 60 days of enrollment
5. Patient has received a CRT device within 60 days of enrollment
6. Patient diagnosed with significant valve disease (AI \>1+; MR \>2+) which may or may not require surgery
7. Patient has received an ICD within 60 days of enrollment
8. Patient has received a pacemaker within 60 days of enrollment
9. History of aborted sudden cardiac death, if patient has not received an ICD and has potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmia, VT or VF
10. Patients with a history or a current diagnosis of either persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as well as patients who present with a contraindication to oral anticoagulant therapy
11. Aortic valve replacement or repair
12. Resting systolic blood pressure is more than 180 mmHg or less than 90 mmHg
13. Resting heart rate more than 120 bpm
14. Cardiac CT or echocardiographic evidence of thrombus in the left ventricle or left atrium
15. History of bleeding diathesis or a major coagulopathy (i.e. platelet count \< 100,000 plts/ml whole blood; PTT or PT \> 1.3 times control value)
16. GI bleed requiring transfusion within the past 3 months
17. Patient has suffered a stroke within the past 6 months
18. Evidence of severe calcification in the VPD Implant attachment zone
19. Evidence of a significant sub-aortic obstruction ("left moderator band") in the area of implant
20. History of Kawasaki's disease
21. Patient has received a heart, lung, liver and/or kidney transplant
22. Patient on dialysis or expected to require hemodialysis within 12 months
23. Patient has chronic liver disease
24. Patient has received intracardiac gene therapy or stem cell therapy
25. Creatinine \> 2.5mg/dl or impaired renal function that places patient at risk of contrast induced renal failure
26. Hypersensitivity to contrast media
27. Allergy or contraindication to clopidogrel or aspirin
28. Evidence of ongoing infection (fever with temperature \> 38°C and/or WBC \> 15,000)
29. Co-morbidities associated with a life expectancy of less than 12-months or there are factors making echo and clinical follow-up difficult (no permanent address, etc.)
30. Patient is currently participating in another investigational device or drug research study for which the follow-up period is not complete