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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
Cardiac resynchronization therapy: redefining the role of device therapy in heart failure
Karthik Viswanathan1, Justin Ghosh, Gerry C Kaye
1Specialist Registrar in Cardiology, Castle Hill Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Kingston-upon-Hull, HU16 5JQ, UK. drkarthikv@hotmail.com.
Insights
Cardiac dyssynchrony impairs heart efficiency. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) effectively treats this, improving outcomes for heart failure patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Cardiac dyssynchrony, a known factor in reduced cardiac efficiency for decades, gained clinical attention with advanced therapies.
- Limited awareness existed despite understanding its impact on cardiac function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex nature of cardiac dyssynchrony.
- To discuss the epidemiology, effects, and patient selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
- To cover practical aspects and future questions regarding CRT.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cardiac dyssynchrony and cardiac resynchronization therapy.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and technological advancements in CRT devices.
- Synthesis of information on patient selection, implantation, and monitoring.
Main Results:
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become a widespread treatment.
- Significant advances in CRT technology and large-scale trials have validated its use.
- CRT offers effective therapy for patients with specific cardiac conditions.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac dyssynchrony is a significant factor in cardiac inefficiency.
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a highly effective treatment option.
- Further research is needed to address remaining questions in CRT.
Abstract:
That cardiac dyssynchrony can contribute to a decline in cardiac efficiency has been recognized in one form or another for at least 50 years. Although revascularization and beta-blockers can improve cardiac synchrony, there was little interest in or awareness of this clinical entity until the advent of specific, highly effective therapy using atriobiventricular pacing, often described as cardiac resynchronization therapy. Over the last few years, significant advances in cardiac resynchronization therapy technology and the publication of large-scale clinical trials using cardiac resynchronization therapy devices in patients with heart failure have led to the widespread use of these devices. This review will briefly describe the complex nature of cardiac dyssynchrony, what is known about its epidemiology, the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy, appropriate patient selection, practical aspects, such as implantation and monitoring, and some still unanswered questions.
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