HMH Cardiologist Treats Heart Failure Patients Using Breakthrough CCM® Therapy

Harrison Memorial Hospital was the first hospital outside of the University of Kentucky to use CCM® therapy, delivered by the Optimizer® Smart Mini, to treat patients suffering from heart failure. HMH Interventional Cardiologist Matthew Shotwell, M.D., is only the second physician in Kentucky to implant this groundbreaking therapeutic device. CCM® Optimizer Smart Mini. Also known as cardiac contractility modulation, is a new, FDA-approved heart failure treatment proven to improve quality of life for patients who are no longer adequately responding to medications to manage symptoms or to slow the progression of heart failure.

Heart failure is a progressive condition with debilitating symptoms that can severely limit the quality of life for heart failure patients. This innovative therapy is the first of its kind, intended to improve the contraction of the heart, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to reach the body. CCM® therapy delivers precisely timed, electrical pulses to the heart intended to improve the heart’s ability to contract and can be used in conjunction with medications and other heart failure therapies.

“Medications are not always enough to help slow the progression of heart failure and improve the quality of life for these patients,” said Matthew Shotwell, M.D.  “CCM® therapy is a breakthrough treatment option that brings hope to this patient population by improving the often-debilitating symptoms of heart failure.”

Heart failure, a condition where the heart slowly weakens and is unable to adequately supply oxygen-rich blood, affects an estimated 6.5 million Americans and nearly 26 million people worldwide. By 2030, it is expected to affect 8 million Americans. Heart failure patients experience debilitating symptoms, including breathlessness, fatigue, confusion, and swelling in the legs, making everyday activities challenging.

“Today, most heart failure patients are prescribed medications intended to slow the progression of the disease and manage their symptoms. However, as their condition progresses, these treatments lose their effectiveness and the quality of life for heart failure patients will continue to decline,” said Shotwell.

CCM® therapy may be an appropriate option for up to 70 percent of heart failure patients who continue to experience symptoms despite taking the optimal heart failure medications for their condition. To learn more about CCM® therapy or both interventional and diagnostic cardiology services at HMH, please call (859) 235-3748.