[Cardiac resynchronization: past, present and future]

Growing interest in dyssynchrony and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) has opened the way for new hemodynamic indications of cardiac stimulation. French investigators have played a key role in the formulation of new concepts based on clinical observation, as well as the development of resynchronisation devices in collaboration with industry, and their clinical evaluation. This review summarizes recent knowledge and perspectives pertaining to atrial, atrioventricular (AV) and ventricular dyssynchrony and resynchronisation. Some of these concepts have been validated by robust clinical evidence, on which scientific recommendations have been based. Others have been less successful but probably merit further attention.