NCT05064709 · Impulse Dynamics
Assessment of CCM in HF With Higher Ejection Fraction
(AIM HIGHer)
What this study is about
The AIM HIGHer Clinical Trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM) therapy in patients with heart failure with LVEF ≥40% and ≤70%.
View original scientific description
The AIM HIGHer Clinical Trial will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM) therapy in patients with heart failure with LVEF ≥40% and ≤70%.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Signed and dated informed consent form;
- Male or non-pregnant female, 18 years or older;
- Diagnosed with symptomatic heart failure;
- LVEF ≥40 and ≤70% (as assessed by site echo);
- A. Heart failure hospitalization within 12 months prior to study consent OR an urgent heart failure visit requiring IV therapy within 6 months prior to study consent OR B. If there is no heart failure hospitalization within 12 months prior to study consent OR an urgent heart failure visit requiring IV therapy within 6 months prior to study consent, an elevated BMI-adjusted natriuretic peptide value must be achieved (Refer to Table 1 in Section 9.2.6)
- Subjects must meet one of the following conditions:
- Have stable, scheduled oral loop diuretic treatment (not just PRN) for a minimum of 30 days before providing study consent unless there is a documented allergy or intolerance.
- Eligibility for enrollment is maintained for patients on an SGLT2 inhibitor without prescribed concurrent standing loop diuretic therapy if investigators provide instructions for a flexible PRN diuretic regimen (deemed appropriate by the clinician in response to symptoms or weight gain) Note: Stable is defined as no more than a 100% increase or 50% decrease in dose within the last 30 days. A one-time hold of diuretic dosing for 24 hours during the 30-day period is allowed and not an
Exclusion criteria
- ary event. Exclusion Criteria:
- Resting ventricular rate \<50 or \>110 bpm;
- Resting systolic blood pressure \<100 or ≥160 mmHg;
- BMI greater than 46
- Any severe valvular stenotic disease or any severe valvular regurgitation;
- Mechanical tricuspid valve;
- Complex congenital heart disease;
- Exercise tolerance limited by a condition other than heart failure that, in the opinion of the investigator, contributes significantly to the primary symptoms of shortness of breath and/or exercise intolerance;
- Unable to walk at least 100 meters or walks more than 450 meters during a 6MWT;
- A KCCQ CCS score higher than 85;
- Hypertrophic, infiltrative/restrictive or inflammatory cardiomyopathy;
- Unstable angina pectoris within 30 days prior to study consent;
- Acute, decompensated heart failure requiring IV therapy or ultrafiltration within 30 days prior to consent, in the hospital or an outpatient setting;
- Receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT); NOTE: Subjects with active/ongoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implanted more than one year ago are eligible for inclusion if they are currently classified as NYHA class III or higher.
- Scheduled for a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous cardiac intervention (PCI) or have undergone cardiac surgery within 90 days or a PCI procedure within 30 days prior to study consent;
- Myocardial infarction within 90 days prior to study consent;
- Prior heart transplant or ventricular assist device;
- Planning to become pregnant during the study;
- Dialysis (permanent) or GFR \<15 ml/min/1.73m2;
- Participating in another investigational drug or device study that may interfere with the interpretation of study data;
- Currently undergoing active chemotherapeutic and/or radiation treatment for cancer or has a history of chemotherapy during the 2-year period prior to study consent;
- Expected lifespan of less than 18 months from time of study consent;
- Unable to follow through study protocol for any reasons in the investigator's judgement.
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Mesa, Arizona
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Tuscon, Arizona
- Concord, California
- La Jolla, California
- Los Angeles, California
- Northridge, California
- Redwood City, California
- Sacramento, California
- San Francisco, California
And 70 more locations — see the full list below.
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 26, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations