CHRISTUS Heart Hospital is First in Texas to Implant Dual Cardiac Device to Treat Heart Failure, Arrhythmia

Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances has announced the successful implant of a new dual cardiac device in a patient exhibiting heart failure symptoms, becoming the first facility in Texas to do so.

The procedure is part of the Impulse Dynamics clinical trial that is studying the Optimizer Integra CCM-D System’s ability to treat heart failure and arrhythmia at the same time.

The successful implant was completed on Monday and was led by Dr. Stan Weiner, medical director of electrophysiology at the heart hospital.

“We are excited to gain access to the newest technologies to treat our patients,” Weiner said. “The heart and research teams at the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital have been nationally recognized leaders in clinical trials for 20 years. This is another great opportunity for us to continue to grow world-class heart care.”

The Optimizer Integra CCM-D System combines two established cardiac therapies – cardiac contractility modulation (CCM), which works to improve the condition of the heart, and an implantable defibrillator (ICD) to treat life-threatening arrhythmias – into a single device.

It is designed to minimize symptoms associated with heart failure and heart rhythm issues, improving the patient’s quality of life, and with a potential battery life of up to 20 years, limiting the need for additional procedures.

The INTEGRA-D clinical trial will examine data from 300 patients treated at 75 facilities in the United States. Patients will be followed for a minimum of two years.

“Participating in cardiac research and clinical trials furthers our commitment to our community.” said Deb Chelette, vice president, cardiovascular services. “This is another example of our continued pursuit of excellence in cardiovascular care.”