Related Experiment Videos
Cardiac resynchronization in severe heart failure and left bundle branch block: a single center experience
Peter Ammann1, Stephanie Kiencke, Beat Schaer
1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.
Swiss Medical Weekly
|July 10, 2004
Summary
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is feasible and safe for patients with heart failure, significantly improving symptoms and reducing hospitalizations. This study demonstrates positive long-term outcomes for CRT device implantation in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) significantly impacts patient prognosis.
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) aims to improve cardiac function in selected heart failure patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and long-term outcomes of CRT in patients with LVEF <35%, QRS >120 ms, and NYHA class 0-III.
- To assess the impact of CRT on dyspnoea, LVEF, and hospitalizations for heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Single-center study assessing CRT device implantation in 47 referred patients.
- Follow-up duration of 12 months.
- Analysis of NYHA class, LVEF, and hospitalization data pre- and post-CRT.
Main Results:
- Successful CRT implantation in 91% (43/47) of patients.
- Significant improvement in NYHA functional class (3.0 to 2.5) and LVEF (median 20% to 32%).
- Marked reduction in heart failure hospitalizations (18 days to 1 day annually).
Conclusions:
- CRT is a feasible and safe treatment for patients with severely impaired LVEF and LBBB.
- CRT effectively improves dyspnoea, enhances LVEF, and reduces heart failure-related hospitalizations.
- Long-term follow-up confirms the benefits of CRT in this population.