South Heart Clinic Announces First-Ever Implantation of Optimizer® Smart Mini Device South of San Antonio
- Julia Bender
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Pioneering heart failure treatment performed by Dr. Frank Mazzola with support from Dr. Shereef Hilmy shows promising results for local patient and future heart failure patients in the RGV.
HARLINGEN,TX — June 5, 2025 — South Heart Clinic is proud to announce a historic advancement in cardiovascular care in the Rio Grande Valley with the successful implantation of the Optimizer® Smart Mini device by Dr. Frank Mazzola, in collaboration with Dr. Shereef Hilmy. This marks the first time the device has been implanted south of San Antonio signifying a major step forward in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic heart failure.
The procedure was performed on a patient who was no longer responding to traditional heart failure therapies. Since the implantation yesterday afternoon, the patient has shown significant clinical improvement and is expected to continue to experience enhanced cardiac performance and quality of life.
Developed by Impulse Dynamics, the Optimizer® Smart Mini is an innovative device that delivers Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM®) therapy, a breakthrough treatment designed to improve the strength of heart contractions in patients with reduced ejection fraction who are not eligible for other advanced therapies like CRT (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy). Unlike a pacemaker or defibrillator, the Optimizer® device enhances the heart’s natural ability to contract, helping improve symptoms, increase exercise tolerance, and reduce hospitalizations.
“The implantation is similar to a pacemaker, but it uses a completely different way to stimulate the heart. In a certain point of the cycle, the device affects the molecular mechanics of how the heart muscle contracts.” said Dr. Mazzola. “This device offers new hope to patients with heart failure who previously had very few options. We’re honored to be the first to bring this cutting-edge technology to the Rio Grande Valley.”
According to Impulse Dynamics, CCM therapy has been proven in multiple clinical studies to improve the lives of heart failure patients, including better symptom management, increased functional capacity, and a better quality of life overall. The Optimizer Smart Mini’s small size and minimally invasive implantation procedure also make it a more accessible option for eligible patients.
For more information about the Optimizer® Smart Mini and CCM® therapy, visit Impulse Dynamics Newsroom.
About South Heart Clinic
South Heart Clinic is a leading cardiovascular center serving the Rio Grande Valley, dedicated to delivering advanced heart care through innovation, compassion, and excellence. With a multidisciplinary team of experienced cardiologists and specialists, South Heart Clinic continues to set new standards for heart health in the community.
Media Contact:
Julia bender
Marketing Coordinator
South Heart Clinic
(956) 428-5522 EXT 161
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