How is The Optimizer System different from other devices used to treat heart failure?
There are currently no other devices that provide the same therapy as the Optimizer™. Pacemakers work to re-establish a normal heart rate through the administration of electrical pacing signals. Defibrillators work to stop abnormal rhythms in a heart that is beating chaotically (ventricular fibrillation) or too fast (ventricular tachycardia) by delivering an electric shock. While these devices intend to resolve cardiac rhythm management problems, the Optimizer ™ System is designed to modulate the strength of contraction of the heart muscle rather than its rhythm. Additionally, there is a new system (CRT) that simultaneously paces the heart from two locations. This type of system improves heart contraction synchronization, affecting cardiac performance and helps only a subgroup of patients (around 30-40% of the CHF population) that have dyssynchrony. Furthermore, CCM can potentially be additive to the effects of CRT.
