In a six-year study, the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) has been awarded $27 million in research funding to investigate the impact of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) on the health outcomes of heart failure patients. This grant is one of the largest received by the health system in the past decade and will be used to determine if advancements in medical therapy can reduce the need for these devices in individuals with heart failure.
Dr. Ilan Goldenberg, director of the Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center and lead investigator of the study, stated that current analysis suggests that at least 50% of patients who receive an ICD do not benefit from it in terms of improved survival. He believes that this study has the potential to change the entire approach to heart failure treatment and hopes it will lead to changes in practice guidelines.
The study will involve over 3,000 patients at 115 sites across the United States and Canada. URMC aims to use the results of this research to improve care for heart failure patients and potentially reduce the use of ICDs in those who may not benefit from them. This study has the potential to have a significant impact on healthcare practices worldwide and improve outcomes for individuals living with heart failure.
