Cheyenne Regional Medical Group Heart and Vascular Institute Becomes First in Wyoming to Offer Optimizer Implant

October 31, 2023

Cheyenne Regional Medical Group Heart and Vascular Institute is now the first and only hospital in Wyoming to offer the Optimizer implant procedure.

“I’m happy to announce that our Cardiac Services Electrophysiology team is embarking on a new way to help patients with heart failure live a better life,” said Justin Knapp, Cardiac Services Clinical Manager.

Dr. David Oakes, Cardiac Electrophysiologist

The Optimizer device, made by Impulse Dynamics, performs a therapy called Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM). This device mirrors a normal pacemaker, but instead of pacing, delivers precisely-timed electric pulses, increasing the heart’s contraction – or “squeeze”. Better contraction allows for increased passage of blood, which equals increased energy and decreased shortness of breath in heart failure patients.

The procedure was performed by electrophysiologist, David Oakes, MD.

“I’m excited to be able to offer hope and treatment for our patients with advanced heart failure, who may otherwise be without options,” Dr. Oakes said.