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Updated: Jun 1, 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
Cardiac resynchronization therapy for critically ill patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Lilian Mantziari1, Kaushik Guha, Nagendra Boopathy Senguttuvan
1Cardiology Department, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improved outcomes in critically ill heart failure patients. CRT assisted in weaning from mechanical support and improved survival to hospital discharge.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock or advanced heart failure.
- This study addresses the need for better understanding of CRT's role in this high-risk population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of CRT in critically ill patients requiring intensive care.
- To assess the impact of CRT on hemodynamic support, organ function, and survival in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 24 patients undergoing CRT implantation in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) between 2007 and 2010.
- Patients received either a CRT pacemaker or CRT defibrillator, with detailed pre- and post-implantation data collection.
Main Results:
- CRT implantation in critically ill patients (median age 76) with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF 26%) led to significant improvements.
- Post-CRT, LVEF increased to 39% (p=0.027), and estimated glomerular filtration rate improved (p=0.001).
- Ninety-two percent of patients survived to hospital discharge, with successful weaning from inotropic support in 19 out of 19 patients.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can be a valuable tool in managing critically ill patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
- CRT facilitates weaning from mechanical circulatory and respiratory support, improving short-term survival in this challenging group.
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