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Cardiovascular Associates Participating in Clinical Study to Evaluate First-in-Class Cardiac Device
The Optimizer Device Based on an Entirely New Technology for Heart Contraction Management
| Source: Cardiovascular Associates
KINGSPORT, TN -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 2, 2007 -- Cardiovascular Associates 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™.
The Optimizer delivers electrical impulses to the heart for patients who
suffer from moderate-to-severe heart failure.
Gregory Jones, MD, principal investigator of the study, said of this
research device, "Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a major health problem
in the US and world wide. Despite significant improvement in mortality and
symptoms from heart failure with pharmacologic treatment, many patients
remain incapacitated by their CHF. This therapy is a novel treatment using
electrical stimuli delivered to the heart in an effort to improve
contractility (forcefulness of the heart beat). This in turn can hopefully
improve the functional capacity of the patient and reduce some of their
symptoms."
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 heartbeat. 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 2007.
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.
About Cardiovascular Associates
Since 1978, the continuing mission of Cardiovascular Associates is to
provide the highest possible quality of comprehensive cardiac services in a
patient-focused, compassionate manner. We are dedicated to the prevention,
diagnostic, and treatment of heart disease throughout our communities in
the regions of Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. We listen
to our patients' heart care needs.
