ZOLL's Groundbreaking SSCORE Registry Enrolls First Patient in Heart Attack Treatment Study
Minneapolis, Tuesday, 24 September 2024.
ZOLL has enrolled the first patient in the SSCORE registry at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, aiming to revolutionize heart attack care. This study focuses on SuperSaturated Oxygen (SSO2) Therapy for severe LAD STEMI cases, known as ‘widowmaker’ heart attacks. SSO2 Therapy, the only FDA-approved treatment to significantly reduce heart muscle damage post-angioplasty, delivers high oxygen levels directly to damaged tissue, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
The Innovation: What is SSO2 Therapy?
SuperSaturated Oxygen (SSO2) Therapy is at the forefront of modern cardiac care, specifically designed to address the critical needs of patients suffering from left anterior descending ST-elevation myocardial infarction (LAD STEMI). This type of heart attack, often referred to as a ‘widowmaker,’ is notorious for its high mortality rate. SSO2 Therapy is unique in that it delivers oxygen levels 7-10 times higher than normal directly to the damaged heart muscle, immediately following coronary angioplasty and stenting procedures. This targeted oxygen delivery helps to reduce the size of the infarct, which is a strong predictor of future heart failure and mortality[1].
How Does SSO2 Therapy Work?
SSO2 Therapy involves a specialized catheter system that infuses a high concentration of oxygen into saline, which is then delivered directly to the coronary artery. This process occurs within six hours of the onset of chest pain, ensuring timely intervention. The therapy aims to enhance microvascular function and reduce infarct size, thereby improving overall recovery and reducing the likelihood of complications such as heart failure. Clinical studies have demonstrated that SSO2 Therapy can significantly minimize heart muscle damage, which is critical for long-term patient outcomes[2].
The Role of ZOLL and Key Figures
ZOLL, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei, is the company behind this innovative therapy. With a focus on developing medical devices and software solutions, ZOLL aims to improve emergency care and save lives. The first patient enrollment in the SSCORE registry took place at the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minnesota. Dr. M. Nicolas Burke, the Director of Cardiovascular Emergency Services, treated the first nationally enrolled patient, emphasizing the critical role of SSO2 Therapy in reducing infarct size. Matt Rochner, General Manager of ZOLL TherOx, highlighted this milestone as a significant step forward in cardiac care[3].
Benefits and Future Implications
The SSCORE registry aims to gather comprehensive data to establish SSO2 Therapy as a standard practice for LAD STEMI patients. By reducing heart muscle damage, the therapy not only improves immediate recovery outcomes but also has the potential to lower long-term healthcare costs associated with heart failure and rehospitalization. Dr. Jay Traverse, a research leader at Allina’s Minneapolis Heart Institute, noted that the persistent high readmission rates for these patients have been a challenge for over two decades. The ongoing research and data collection through the SSCORE registry could redefine treatment protocols, ultimately improving patient quality of life and reducing the financial burden on the healthcare system[4].
Conclusion
The enrollment of the first patient in the SSCORE registry marks a significant advancement in the treatment of severe heart attacks. SSO2 Therapy’s ability to deliver high concentrations of oxygen directly to damaged heart muscle represents a groundbreaking approach in cardiac care. As ZOLL and its partners continue to gather data, the potential for this therapy to become a standard treatment for LAD STEMI patients grows, promising better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare solutions.