Improving heart function in patients with Chagas disease

Clinical and Functional Effects of Cardiac Contractility Modulation in Chagas Heart Disease: a Randomized Study - Contractility - FIX-Chagas

NA · InCor Heart Institute · NCT05519046

This study is testing whether a new heart treatment called cardiac contractility modulation can help people with heart failure from Chagas disease feel better compared to a different treatment called cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorInCor Heart Institute (other)
Locations1 site (São Paulo, São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT05519046 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) as an adjuvant treatment for heart failure in patients suffering from chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). It aims to compare the clinical and functional responses of patients receiving CCM device implantation against those undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The study focuses on individuals with advanced heart failure, severe systolic dysfunction, and specific conduction patterns, utilizing a randomized approach to assess outcomes. The research is particularly relevant given the high prevalence of Chagas disease in Latin America and its emerging significance in other regions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with documented Chagas disease and advanced heart failure characterized by severe systolic dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with other significant cardiovascular diseases or those with kidney or liver dysfunction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new treatment option that significantly improves heart function and quality of life for patients with Chagas disease.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the use of CCM specifically for CCC, similar approaches in heart failure management have shown promise in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signing of an informed consent form (ICF) before randomization and any study procedure,
* Both genders, age \>18 years and \<75 years,
* Recent positive (last two years) and documented serology for Chagas disease, in at least two different tests (indirect hemagglutination, indirect immunofluorescence, or ELISA),
* NYHA II-III heart failure functional class,
* LVEF\< 35%,
* Non left bundle branch block
* Intraventricular desynchrony (Yu index)
* Global longitudinal strain \>11 %.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participation in another study, presently or terminated \<1 year ago, except for a totally unrelated observational study,
* Other concomitant cardiovascular diseases, including uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (systemic arterial hypertension without permitted target organ compromise),
* Kidney dysfunction (serum creatinine \>1.5mg/dL or eGFR \<30mL/min/1.73m2) or liver dysfunction, with diagnosis of cirrhosis or portal hypertension or elevated serum enzymes (AST or ALT) \> 3x the upper limit of normality,
* Moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
* Peripheral polyneuropathy,
* Hyperthyroidism,
* Current alcoholism or not abandoned for \>2 years,
* Diagnosed with psychopathy or psychosis or addiction to illicit drugs,
* Life expectancy \<1 year, due to the disease itself or comorbidities (including NYHA class IV),
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding,
* Potential to become pregnant during the study (non-menopausal patients who have not undergone a radical and safe contraceptive process),
* Previously withdrawn from this study.

Where this trial is running

São Paulo, São Paulo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chagas Cardiomyopathy, Heart Failure, Systolic Dysfunction, Right Bundle Branch Block and Left Anterior Fascicular Block, Right Bundle Branch Block and Left Posterior Fascicular Block

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.