HOUMA— On January 29, Dr. Richard Abben, Cardiovascular Institute of the South cardiologist, and Dr. Edgar Feinberg, Houma's cardiovascular surgeon, were the first in the United States to implant the Barostim neo™ device for the treatment of heart failure.
Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. It can be due to heart attack, which damages the heart muscle. The main symptoms of heart failure are general fatigue or weakness, shortness of breath, or swelling of the legs or ankles. Heart failure can worsen over time and without effective treatment, there is a risk of death within five years of being diagnosed.
70-year-old Joseph Stelly from Morgan City has had a history of chronic heart problems, including hypertension, coronary stents, a pacemaker-defibrillator implantation and a weakened heart muscle. Because of these cardiovascular conditions, he has suffered recurrent bouts of congestive heart failure, requiring multiple hospitalizations— as much as two within the past six weeks. "Mr. Stelly has been experiencing significant fatigue, reduction of exercise capacity, fluid retention, and severe shortness of breath, and these symptoms have been resistant to standard heart failure medications,” explained his cardiologist, Dr. Abben.
"I could hardly walk; I was so short-winded,” explained Stelly. "I couldn't breathe.”
As with Stelly, many with heart failure continue to have symptoms despite advancements in medications and treatments. Approximately one-third of patients with heart failure either do not qualify for or do not benefit from therapy for heart failure.
However, a new, implantable device called the Barostim neo is currently being studied to determine its safety and effectiveness in treating moderate to severe heart failure. This pacemaker-like device painlessly stimulates natural sensors under the skin in the neck to send signals to the brain to regulate blood flow. Through this device, patients may experience improved blood pressure control, increased efficiency in cardiac function, and improved flow to the organs as well as a reduction in heart failure symptoms. Drs. Abben and Feinberg serve as the primary investigators for this research trial, called the Barostim™ HOPE4HF™ Study.
"Mr. Stelly's severe heart failure problem persisted despite appropriate medical therapy and thus he seemed to be a good candidate for the Barostim neo implantation,” said Dr. Abben.
The implantation procedure lasted 65 minutes and was performed at Terrebonne General Medical Center on February 3.
Two weeks after the procedure, Stelly's fatigue, shortness of breath, and exercise capability were significantly improved. "I can walk now; I can breathe,” he explained. "Dr. Abben has been my doctor for a long time, and he saved my life.”
"As this is a device trial, the potential long-term benefits will not be understood until more patients are evaluated and the study completed,” explained Dr. Abben. "But we are certainly hopeful that his gratifying improvement to this unique therapy will continue to progress, and that this technology can be successfully applied to a broader group of patients with the disabling condition of heart failure.”
To qualify for participation in this trial, patients must experience severe symptomatic heart failure while on optimal medical therapy and either do not qualify for or have not benefitted sufficiently from cardiac resynchronization therapy. If you think you may qualify, or if you are interested in learning more about the trial, please call the CIS Research Department at 985-873-5613.
CIS is one of the most respected groups of cardiologists, representing nearly every specialty in heart and circulatory medicine. With a team of nearly 500 dedicated team members, CIS serves communities throughout Louisiana, as well as national and international patients, at its 13 clinics. CIS consistently positions itself at the forefront of technology by providing the most up-to-date technology coupled with compassionate care. This mission has guided the institute for more than 29 years of service to south Louisiana. For more information about CIS, call 1-800-425-2565 or visit http://www.cardio.com/.
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