Cardiac resynchronization therapy

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), also known as biventricular pacing, is a treatment for heart failure that involves the use of a special type of pacemaker to re-coordinate the action of the right and left ventricles.

Overview

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. In some cases, heart failure is caused by a delay in the electrical signals that control the heartbeat, causing the right and left ventricles to contract at different times. This lack of coordination can further reduce the heart's efficiency.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is designed to correct this problem. A CRT device sends small electrical impulses to both ventricles, causing them to contract at the same time. This can improve the heart's efficiency and reduce symptoms of heart failure.

Procedure

The CRT device is implanted under the skin in the chest area. It consists of a pacemaker and one or more leads, which are thin insulated wires. The leads are threaded through a vein into the heart, and the pacemaker sends electrical impulses through the leads to the heart muscle.

The procedure to implant a CRT device is usually performed under local anesthesia and sedation. It typically takes one to three hours, and most patients go home the same day or the next day.

Benefits and Risks

CRT has been shown to improve symptoms of heart failure, increase exercise capacity, and reduce hospitalizations and mortality in certain groups of patients with heart failure. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks. These include infection, bleeding, damage to the heart or blood vessels, and complications related to the device, such as malfunction or dislodgement of the leads.

See Also

• Heart Failure
• Pacemaker
• Electrical Conduction System of the Heart