Ingalls among first in nation to offer new ‘InSync’ cardiac technology

(January, 2002) Ingalls Memorial Hospital recently became one of the first hospitals in the nation to offer a revolutionary new treatment for heart failure patients. The “InSync” cardiac device is the first major therapeutic breakthrough for heart failure patients since the development of specialized heart failure drugs.

“This therapy, also known as biventricular pacing, is intended to complement standard drug treatment, along with dietary and lifestyle modifications,” explained Angel Castaner, M.D., cardiologist on staff at Ingalls who is specially trained in implanting the device. “It shows great promise to dramatically help patients who have previously had only limited success with drug therapy.”

A specially trained cardiologist or cardiovascular surgeon implants the InSync device, which is slightly larger than two stacked silver dollars, under the skin in the chest area. Three very thin insulated wires or leads with tiny electrodes are maneuvered through veins from the device to the heart.

“Heart failure is the most costly cardiovascular illness in America and one that continues to increase in incidence and prevalence each year,” explained P. Sandy Sundram, M.D., cardiologist on staff at Ingalls and medical director of Cardiology Services. “Cardiac resynchronization therapy will benefit thousands of patients immediately by restoring patient quality of life and functional capacity beyond our expectations.”

For more information on the InSync device now available at Ingalls, call 800-221-2199.

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