Optimization techniques in cardiac resynchronization therapy

Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves symptoms and cardiac function, as well as reduces mortality in patients with progressive congestive heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and a left bundle branch block on the surface electrocardiogram. As many as 30% of patients fail to have an adequate response. The interplay between the atrioventricular delay and the contribution of a properly timed atrial contraction to ventricular filling along with a properly timed sequence of activation of the right and left ventricular is crucial to maximizing the benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy devices.