New Procedure In Greenville Helping Patients With Heart Failure

GREENVILLE, S.C. –

The heart plays a critical role in getting blood and oxygen to the cells, but during heart failure, that pumping process is slowed down. That can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and if not treated, it can lead to death. A new procedure in Greenville is helping patients like never before.

Terry Biser’s Story

Terry Biser, a Greenville resident, loves to travel with his wife. They usually go on a few cruises a year, but last year, he had to cancel three trips due to his declining health. “Getting up in the morning, I couldn’t even do the trash,” Biser said. “My wife had to do everything.”

After visiting his doctor, Biser was diagnosed with heart failure. Bon Secours cardiologist Dr. Jeffrey Senfield explained, “The heart normally pumps at a certain percentage. We measure what we call the ejection fraction, which for most folks is in the 50 to 60% range. When you’re in heart failure, your heart pump is usually at a lower number, let’s say 30% 35% or less.”

The Optimizer Device

Traditionally, heart failure is treated with medication and a pacemaker. However, Dr. Senfield suggested a new option – the Optimizer. This device, implanted much like a pacemaker, sends electrical signals to the heart, delivering Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM) therapy. It paces the heart during the absolute refractory period of the cardiac cycle, often producing a stronger heartbeat than a pacemaker alone.

Dr. Senfield has seen promising results with the Optimizer device. Biser underwent the procedure in November and experienced significant improvements. “I am eating the same, but I think the heart is doing a better job of making the blood flow,” Biser said. “Now I can actually take longer steps and I can get up without the aid of pushing off on something.”

Regaining Mobility

The Optimizer device has allowed Biser to be more mobile and independent, regaining his ability to take care of daily activities and enjoy life with his wife. “We’ve already got about six or seven places picked out within about a two or three-hour drive from Greenville that we’re going to start with and just spend a night or two out,” Biser shared.

The Procedure

According to Dr. Senfield, the procedure to implant the Optimizer device typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, with a battery life of approximately 20 years before a replacement may be needed.