Care for Heart Failure at University of Colorado Hospital

Why Choose Treatment for Heart Failure at University of Colorado Hospital?

University of Colorado Hospital is nationally recognized for its heart failure and cardiomyopathy program. We manage the care of more than 800 patients within a six-state area, including: Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and western Kansas and Nebraska.

We pride ourselves on providing individualized, around-the-clock care for both our patients and their families. Our nursing staff has nearly 50 years of combined experience with heart failure and is dedicated to caring for the “whole” person and family. Our goal is to help you learn how to live with and control your disease.

What is Heart Failure?

Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a life-threatening condition that results from damage to the heart muscle that weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. It is caused by:

• Coronary artery disease
• Damage to the heart muscle itself, called cardiomyopathy
• Scarring from a heart attack, called myocardial infarction

About 5 million people in the United States have heart failure. Depending on its severity, it can be treated with:

• Lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Surgery

Departments Treating Heart Failure

Cardiac & Vascular Center
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
(720) 848-5300

Heart Failure Research

Research efforts at University of Colorado Hospital allow us to provide patients with cutting-edge medical and surgical options not available elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain region. We are world leaders in developing medical and device therapies to improve your heart function and quality of life. 

Heart Failure Research Trials

University of Colorado Hospital is participating in a study of the Paracor Ventricular Support System (PVSS) to evaluate a ventricular support system for patients with heart failure. The implanted mesh device, which is loaded onto the delivery system, is placed around the tissue surface of the right and left ventricles and is intended to reduce the size of the heart through pressure.

Title – Paracor Ventricular Support System (PVSS) for Patients With Heart Failure

Purpose – Limited safety and feasibility study to evaluate the PVSS Introducer and Paracor Ventricular Support System in patients with heart failure. The implant, which is loaded onto the delivery system, is placed over the epicardial surface of the right and left ventricles.

Sponsor – Paracor Medical Inc.

University of Colorado Hospital is also participating in the HeartMate II Pivotal Clinical Trial. The HeartMate II is a small rotary-style blood pump. The purpose of the study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of the device as Destination Therapy (permanent implant).

Title – Thoratec HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) for Destination Therapy

Purpose – To determine the safety and effectiveness of the Thoratec HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) as Destination Therapy in end-stage heart failure patients who do not qualify for cardiac transplantation.

Sponsor – Thoratec Corp.