Treatment of refractory congestive heart failure by cardiac resynchronization

The contributions of long-term cardiac resynchronization as a supplemental treatment of refractory congestive heart failure have recently been reported. Several completed studies support the validity of this new therapy, capable of improving quality of life as well as increasing exercise capacity. These gains hinge on a careful patient selection, on the proper placement of the leads, particularly that responsible for left ventricular stimulation, and on an individualized patient follow-up. The results obtained thus fat fully justify considering cardiac resynchronization as an additional option in the treatment management of patients refractory to conventional measures. Ongoing studies should help to further defining its impact on morbidity and overall mortality, as well as the potential role for back up defribillator.