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Updated: May 15, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
12:45

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

Is cardiac resynchronization therapy an antiarrhythmic therapy for atrial fibrillation? A systematic review and

Paul L Hess1, Kevin P Jackson, Vic Hasselblad

  • 1Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, PO Box 17969, Durham, NC 27715, USA. p.hess@duke.edu

Current Cardiology Reports
|January 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) burden in some patients. However, evidence is mixed, with some studies showing benefits and others no effect on new-onset AF.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia.
  • The effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on AF burden is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the literature on the impact of CRT on AF burden.
  • To assess the efficacy of CRT in managing AF in patients.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE.
  • Studies included peer-reviewed English-language publications meeting specific MeSH headings.
  • Ten observational studies and two secondary analyses of clinical trials were identified.

Main Results:

  • Ten studies indicated a favorable impact of CRT on AF.
  • One study found no effect of CRT on new-onset AF.
  • A meta-analysis of three studies showed a 10.7% conversion rate from persistent/permanent AF to sinus rhythm with CRT.

Conclusions:

  • CRT may have a beneficial effect on AF burden, particularly in persistent or permanent AF.
  • Further prospective studies are needed, especially in patients not meeting traditional CRT criteria.

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