Ochsner Health System has
announced today it is studying a medical device in patients to measure the
potential health benefits of a new implantable pulse generator called the
Optimizer(TM). The Optimizer delivers electrical impulses to the heart for
patients who suffer from moderate-to-severe heart failure. Ochsner Medical
Center on Jefferson Highway is the only hospital in the state of Louisiana
participating in this multi-center clinical research study.
The first Optimizer implant in the state of Louisiana was received by
Ms. Deborah Bourque of New Orleans in October of 2005. Dr. Freddy Abi
Samra, MD, Director of Electrophysiology and pacing services at Ochsner
Medical Center, said of this research device, "in spite of the advances
made over the last 15 years, heart failure remains a common cause of death
or disability. This novel therapy stimulates the heart as it is beating,
which appears to make the heart beat more efficiently. It could really make
a positive impact in the quality of life for millions of people who suffer
from heart failure -- as it has for Ms. Bourque."
How does the Optimizer work differently than other heart devices?
There are currently no other devices that provide the same effect as
the Optimizer. Pacemakers work to re-establish a normal heart rate through
the administration of electrical pacing signals. Defibrillators work to
stop abnormal rhythms in a heart that is beating chaotically or too fast by
delivering an electric shock. While these devices intend to resolve
problems with the heart's rhythm, the Optimizer System is designed to
modulate the strength of contraction of the heart muscle rather than its
rhythm.
What is the unique technology behind the Optimizer?
Cardiac Contractility Modulation, or CCM, is a method for treating
failing hearts. Unlike signals generated by other cardiac devices, the CCM
signals do not initiate a heart beat. Rather, CCM signals are intended to
modify heart cell function in a manner that affects the contractility of
the heart muscle.
What is Heart Failure & Its Impact?
Heart failure is a disease caused by weak or damaged heart muscle that
is unable to pump enough blood throughout the body. Heart failure is a
disease that afflicts over 5 million Americans and an estimated 15 million
patients worldwide. It is one of the most common causes of hospitalization
and a growing and costly burden to the healthcare system. It is estimated
that the U.S. healthcare system would have spent a projected $29.6 billion
on caring for heart failure patients in 2006.
Promise and Disclaimer:
If proven safe and effective, the Optimizer
System has the potential to help treat heart failure in a large number of
patients. This is a research device, and results cannot be guaranteed.
Ochsner
ochsner/