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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Biventricular pacing as bridge to rapid recovery in infancy
Andreea Dragulescu1, Karolina Bilska, Catharina Van Doorn
1Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom.
Insights
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) offers a novel treatment for infants with severe heart failure. This infant case study demonstrates successful functional recovery with CRT, highlighting its potential in pediatric cardiology.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Severe left ventricular failure in infants presents significant management challenges.
- Limited treatment options exist for pediatric heart failure due to organ availability and device size constraints.
- Etiology of heart failure in infants often remains undetermined.
Observation:
- An 8-month-old infant presented with severe left ventricular failure.
- Echocardiographic assessment revealed significant dyssynchrony and left bundle branch block.
- Standard interventions like mechanical assist devices or transplantation were not feasible.
Findings:
- Initiation of dual-chamber epicardial pacing (cardiac resynchronization therapy) led to rapid clinical improvement.
- Echocardiographic parameters showed marked enhancement, correlating with clinical recovery.
- Complete normalization of cardiac function was observed, allowing for device deactivation after 6 months.
Implications:
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy is a viable and effective treatment for severe pediatric heart failure, irrespective of etiology or age.
- This case underscores the importance of considering advanced pacing strategies in infants with specific electrophysiological findings.
- Further research into CRT for pediatric heart failure may expand therapeutic horizons and improve outcomes in young patients.
Abstract:
The authors present the unique case of an 8-month-old baby diagnosed with severe left ventricular failure of unknown etiology. Due to a lack of organ availability for this age, a mechanical assist device and assessment for cardiac transplantation were not offered. Subsequent comprehensive echocardiographic dyssynchrony assessment and the presence of left bundle branch block were suggestive of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy. Dual-chamber epicardial pacing was initiated, resulting in prompt marked clinical and echocardiographic improvement, which continued until complete normalization of cardiac function. The pacing system was safely turned off 6 months after its implantation. In conclusion, cardiac resynchronization therapy should be considered as a treatment option even in infancy, regardless of the etiology of disease and/or patient age.
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