LYNCHBURG, V.A., June 18, 2024–Centra’s Heart & Vascular Institute (HVI) has successfully implanted the first patient in Virginia with the innovative Integra D device, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
The Integra D device is a pioneering technology that uniquely integrates cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) therapy with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). This dual-functionality device streamlines patient care by combining two critical therapies into one rechargeable unit, reducing the need for multiple surgical procedures and extending the device’s operational lifespan. To date, fewer than 50 patients worldwide have received the Integra D device.
"Traditionally, congestive heart failure patients required both a defibrillator to prevent sudden cardiac death and a separate CCM device to enhance heart function," explained Dr. Sackett, Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at HVI. "The Integra D device merges these essential functions, offering a more efficient and less invasive treatment option."
Centra is one of 75 cardiovascular centers globally selected to participate in this clinical trial, with an allocation of four devices for implantation. The trial aims to implant between 200 and 300 devices worldwide, with a comprehensive two-year follow-up period to gather critical data. Early results from the trial are highly promising, although ultimate outcomes will take a few years to finalize.
In April, Angela Woody, a patient at Centra, became Virginia’s first recipient of the Integra D device. One month post-implantation, she reported significant improvements, including reduced shortness of breath while climbing stairs and walking.
The ideal candidates for the Integra D device are patients with congestive heart failure who continue to experience symptoms despite traditional medical therapies. Dr. Sackett is optimistic about the trial's potential to establish this technology as a standard treatment, offering new hope and an enhanced quality of life for countless individuals battling congestive heart failure.