Pictured from left to right are John Scurria (Medtronic), Bennett Templet RT (Lane), Laura Peel RN (Lane), Lisa Flower (Impulse Dynamics), Dr. Charles Thompson (CIS), Emily Ockerlund (Impulse Dynamics) and James Pierce RT (Lane).

ZACHARY– Dr. Charles Thompson, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), is the first in Zachary to use the Optimizer® Smart System featuring the innovation of CCM therapy to treat heart failure. The procedure took place in the catheterization laboratory at Lane Regional Medical Center on June 23.

Manufactured by Impulse Dynamics, the Optimizer is a minimally-invasive, implantable device that delivers cardiac contractility modulation, or CCM, therapy to the heart. The device is similar in size to a pacemaker and is implanted under the skin of the upper chest. It sends timed electrical pulses to the heart during the refractory period of the beating cycle, just after the heart contracts. This improves contraction of the heart to treat heart failure, a condition in which the heart slowly weakens and cannot pump with the force required to supply oxygen-rich blood to the body.

“This is a life-changing treatment therapy for patients who suffer from heart failure,” said Dr. Thompson. “It is especially needed for those who continue to experience symptoms despite traditional medical therapy, and we are proud to offer this alternative to our patients here in Zachary.”

Learn more about this therapy here.

To schedule an appointment at a CIS location near you, click below. 

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