ALBUQUERQUE – January 8, 2024 – New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group (NMHI) has enrolled the first patient in the world in the RECOVER IV randomized study comparing management strategies for patients with cardiogenic shock using the Impella CP®, an FDA-approved temporary heart pump, versus standard of care.
The RECOVER IV Study is in part conducted during emergency medical situations to help improve emergency medicine that could not otherwise happen. The study follows a special set of guidelines that allow patients to be included in studies like this without consent under carefully controlled circumstances.
“We are very proud to enroll the world’s first patient in the RECOVER IV Trial to study the best course of treatment for patients undergoing cardiogenic shock,” said NMHI interventional cardiologist Mark Bieniarz, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, who enrolled the first patient. We are grateful that New Mexico Heart Institute was selected to participate. Our participation will help us improve our community’s heart care and help improve lives following a heart attack.”
The Impella CP is inserted into the leg artery through a catheter and advanced through blood vessels into the main pumping chamber of the heart. It then helps move blood to the rest of the body. The pump stays in place for at least 24 hours and is removed at a doctor’s discretion. Eligible patients may be assigned to receive standard heart attack care with or without the Impella CP.
“Dr. Bieniarz and our team at NMHI have committed a tremendous effort to engage and educate the New Mexico community about this unique trial design," said Keisha Eggins, clinical research manager for NMHI. “We are world-renowned for our inclusion in clinical trials that help provide the best care for future patients.”
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, happens when a part of the heart muscle does not get enough blood. Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is not pumping enough blood to the rest of the body. A heart attack is usually treated by a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in which a thin tube (catheter) is placed through a blood vessel in the arm or leg to open a blocked artery near the heart. In patients with heart shock, the additional use of a temporary heart pump can move blood to the rest of the body before, during and after the PCI.
The study is sponsored by Abiomed, Inc. of Danvers, MA. Doctors and researchers in over 50 hospitals across the United States and Europe plan to enroll at least 560 patients into RECOVER IV. The study is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and an independent institutional review board (IRB). It will be monitored by an independent group of experts.
Community members can learn more about the RECOVER IV Study at https://r4study.com/.
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Contact:
Whitney Marquez, Lovelace Health System
Phone: 505.903.0367
Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center
Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center (HHNM) is New Mexico’s only hospital dedicated exclusively to cardiovascular care, including the state’s only facility performing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implants. The 55-bed facility, which features a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room where surgeons can perform advanced surgical services for cardiovascular patients, has become synonymous with high quality, technologically advanced cardiac care. HHNM was named a Top Teaching Hospital from 2020 - 2022 by Leapfrog Hospital Safety for its quality of care, including practices for safer surgery and capacity to prevent medication errors and has three times been named to The Best Hospital in America List for 2021 - 2023 (small teaching hospital category) by Money and the Leapfrog Group for its quality, safe care, a reputation for excellent patient experiences and an ethical approach to treatment. To learn more about the state-of-the-art treatment options, innovative health care providers and award-winning quality initiatives at Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center, visit hearthospitalnm.com.
Lovelace Medical Group/New Mexico Heart Institute
Lovelace Medical Group (LMG) is a multispecialty group of over 280 providers, including physicians and advanced practice providers serving a broad range of specialties and primary care. LMG provides patients with exceptional health care through its 33 health care clinics and the support of Lovelace Health System hospitals and technology. New Mexico Heart Institute/Lovelace Medical Group brings more than 32 years of diagnostic, interventional and preventive cardiovascular expertise to our community and state. To learn more about the experience and skilled providers of Lovelace Medical Group, visit lovelacemedicalgroup.com.
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