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Our Division of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology has successfully completed its
first implantation of a Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM) device. This cutting-edge
procedure enhances the heart’s natural contraction strength, leading to improved long-term
health and well-being for patients with heart failure.
The CCM device offers a new treatment avenue for patients with limited options. While
traditional heart failure treatments typically focus on symptom management and slowing
disease progression, as medications become less effective over time, they can lead
to a diminished quality of life and higher mortality rates.
Performed by Adam Budzikowski, M.D., Ph.D., FHRS, Associate Professor of Medicine
and Director of the Electrophysiology Service, the implantation of CCM devices addresses
the root cause of heart failure. These devices deliver electrical pulses to the heart,
boosting its natural contraction abilities and increasing the supply of oxygen-rich
blood throughout the body.
Heart failure is a leading cause of death in the United States, affecting approximately
five million Americans. It occurs when the heart cannot pump sufficient oxygenated
blood to meet the body's needs, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and
severe fatigue, which can be debilitating and potentially life-threatening.
CCM therapy provides a sustainable treatment option for patients who struggle with
traditional medications. By utilizing innovative technology to enhance heart function,
it helps alleviate symptoms, improve overall health outcomes, and offer a better quality
of life.
Downstate’s cardiac electrophysiology team, under Dr. Budzikowski's leadership, specializes
in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders caused by atypical cardiac electrical
signaling. Their services include cardiac resynchronization therapy, pacemaker implantation
and extraction, and remote arrhythmia monitoring for heart failure patients.
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