Dynamic Thoracic Impedance as a Marker for Heart Failure Decompensation

Dynamic Thoracic Impedance as a Marker for Heart Failure Decompensation: A Pilot Trial of the "Dynamic Thoracic Impedance Bed Rest Test"

This pilot study proposes to perform measurements of approved thoracic impedance technology that will help answer questions in patients with decompensated heart failure.

Improved metrics derived from the transthoracic impedance (Z) available from implanted Medtronic devices may provide more sensitive indicators of the state of compensation for heart failure patients. Quantification of specific data may provide new information that can improve quality of life for patients and offer vital information to clinicians regarding the adequacy of inpatient and outpatient assessment and management of acute decompensated heart failure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with systolic dysfunction
• Able to provide informed consent
• Have a Medtronic manufactured device with Thoracic Impendence Monitoring capabilities

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with severe congestive heart failure who are intubated
• Patients who are oxygen dependent on continuous positive or bilevel positive ventilation
• Inability to tolerate postural variations due to congestive heart failure or other medical or surgical condition.Unable to complete proposed testing
• Subjects who cannot giveWill not give written, informed consent on their own behalf