New research highlights an implantable IVC sensor with 92.6% sensitivity, along with studies on sleep apnea risk in HFpEF and atrial shunt therapy selection.
WASHINGTON, DC (July 14, 2026) – An implantable inferior vena cava (IVC) monitoring system predicted worsening heart failure events with 92.6% sensitivity and a strong predictive accuracy (C-statistic 0.83), according to new research featured in the July issue of the Journal of Cardiac Failure (JCF).
The issue also highlights new findings on the clinical impact of sleep apnea in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and emerging evidence guiding which patients may benefit most from atrial shunt therapy. Together, these studies reflect ongoing efforts to improve risk stratification, detect decompensation earlier, and better personalize treatment in heart failure care.
Implantable Sensor May Help Detect Worsening Heart Failure Before Hospitalization
In an analysis from the FUTURE-HF trial portfolio, investigators developed a personalized congestion score using daily ambulatory IVC measurements collected through an implantable sensor system. The score was designed to detect congestion earlier before worsening symptoms lead to hospitalization.
Among 63 patients, the congestion score demonstrated high sensitivity for predicting heart failure events and was associated with an 18-fold higher odds of hospitalization within 7 days when alert thresholds were breached. The findings suggest this technology could support earlier intervention, streamline clinical response, and potentially enable a more proactive patient self-management model in heart failure care.
Sleep Apnea Identified as High-Risk Marker in Patients With HFpEF
A study from the PARAGON-HF echocardiographic substudy found that patients with HFpEF and sleep apnea had more adverse cardiac remodeling, worse ventricular function, and poorer clinical outcomes than those without sleep apnea.
Patients with sleep apnea had significantly greater left ventricular mass, worse biventricular strain, and a 57% higher risk of heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death. Given the high prevalence and frequent underdiagnosis of sleep apnea in HFpEF, the findings reinforce the importance of screening and suggest sleep apnea may represent a clinically meaningful and potentially modifiable risk factor in this population.
New Analysis Clarifies Which HFpEF Patients May Benefit From Atrial Shunt Therapy
A new review examining major randomized trials of atrial shunt therapy provides important insight into why prior studies produced conflicting results and which patients with HFpEF may benefit most from this approach.
The analysis suggests that careful patient selection is critical, particularly identifying patients without latent pulmonary vascular disease. Investigators found that patients with more advanced hemodynamic abnormalities were less likely to benefit and, in some cases, experienced worse outcomes. The review offers practical context for clinicians evaluating atrial shunt therapy and highlights the importance of ongoing trials aimed at refining patient selection.
The full line-up for the July issue of the Journal of Cardiac Failure is available online now. For interviews with authors, please contact Laura Poko at [email protected].
About the Journal of Cardiac Failure
The Journal of Cardiac Failure (JCF) publishes the highest quality science in the field of heart failure with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, mentorship, multidisciplinary partnerships, and patient-centeredness. Published papers span original investigator-initiated work to state-of-the-art reviews, guidelines and scientific statements, expert perspectives, early career and trainee spotlight pieces, patient and patient-partner narratives. JCF also emphasizes the power of language and prioritizes innovative approaches to dissemination of published work to reach and impact the broader heart failure community.
About the Heart Failure Society of America
The Heart Failure Society of America, Inc. (HFSA) represents the first organized effort by heart failure experts from the Americas to provide a forum for all those interested in heart function, heart failure, and congestive heart failure (CHF) research and patient care. The mission of HFSA is to provide a platform to improve and expand heart failure care through collaboration, education, innovation, research, and advocacy. HFSA members include physicians, scientists, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, trainees, other healthcare workers and patients. For more information, visit hfsa.org.
Media Contact: Laura Poko, 301-798-4493, ext. 226, [email protected]