Three year outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy: a single center evaluation

To evaluate the long-term clinical outcome and device performance of cardiac resynchronization therapy in a consecutive sample of patients with moderate to severe heart failure.

Between 1998 and 2000, forty consecutive patients with drug-refractory heart failure due to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were selected for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). After successful implantation of the coronary sinus lead (n = 35, 88%), patients were followed every sixth month by New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, the 6-minute walking test (6 walk), quality of life (QoL, Minnesota), and pacemaker control. NYHA-class and 6 walk were significantly improved after 6 months and continued to improve gradually until 36 months of follow-up. The QoL improvement at 6 months was sustained over 3 years. After 3 years, the beta-blocker dose could be increased in 10/23 patients as compared to baseline. Nine patients had to be re-operated. Coronary sinus lead thresholds were stable over time.

The clinical improvements by CRT are sustained over 3 years of follow-up. In the setting of a University Medical Center, CRT can be applied in clinical routine with excellent clinical outcome, acceptable implantation success, and stable device performance over time.