Heart failure patients with ventricular dysynchrony: management with a cardiac resynchronization therapy device

Despite an array of treatment modalities, the overall prognosis for patients with severe heart failure remains bleak. Biventricular pacing, or cardiac resynchronization therapy, is gaining increasing acceptance as a compelling treatment for those individuals with advanced heart failure (New York Heart Association functional class III or IV). This article provides a brief description of the atrial and ventricular conduction disturbances common in patients with advanced heart failure. Current indications for therapy are outlined, as are recent results of cardiac resynchronization therapy trials. The implant procedure is described to provide a comprehensive overview of this innovative approach to re-establishing normal electromechanical activity and synchronous right and left ventricular contractions. Patient care, before and after device implant, is also summarized. The focus on patient education throughout this article may allow it to serve as a reference for health care providers involved in the care of patients with severe heart failure.