Ochsner Baton Rouge electrophysiologist Freddy Abi-Samra, MD, has successfully completed a heart pacemaker procedure in a clinical trial involving a new technology that could make pacemaker surgery available to patients who may not benefit from traditional technology. This first-of-its-kind system is a leadless device that is implanted in the left ventricle of the heart to enable biventricular pacing without the need to attach wires to the heart muscles.
Abi-Samra implanted the WiSE CRT System in a patient procedure at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge as part of a clinical study called SOLVE-CRT.
“The traditional procedure for correcting heart synchronization problems doesn’t always work, even in patients where it is fully indicated, let alone in patients who may have mechanical access impediments to traditional lead implantation,” said Abi-Samra. “This new WiSE CRT technology is a potential game changer in resynchronization therapy, offering all candidates a theoretically more physiologic mode of pacing and, for some, new hope. I encourage anyone who has cardiac synchronization issues to talk to their doctor about this procedure and participating in this study.”
“Ochsner’s success in bringing the WiSE CRT technology to Baton Rouge is a major step forward in our ability to care for heart patients throughout the region. Our cardiovascular team has a rich history of bringing lifesaving innovation to Louisiana, and we are look forward to complementing our services with this technology,” says Chuck Daigle, Ochsner Baton Rouge CEO.