FRIDLEY (dpa-AFX) - Medtronic Inc. (MDT) announced the initiation and first patient enrollment in a clinical study that will evaluate gaps in the implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines among chronic heart failure patients post-hospital discharge. The company stated that the IMPROVE HF Bridge Study will analyze approximately 120 patients from four different centers in the United States for a period of six months following their initial hospital stay. The company noted that Patients will be cared for in the outpatient setting by either a primary care physician alone, or by both a heart failure specialist and primary care physician throughout the study. The prospective, randomized study will also explore the feasibility of implementing Class I, Level A guideline recommendations set forth by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. Patients in the assessment arm will be followed by the heart failure specialist at 30 days, three months and six months for re-evaluation. The enrollment period is expected to take approximately 15 months from first enrollment, with total study duration of approximately 22 months.
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