Cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with chronic heart failure
Gautam G Lalani1, Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green1
1University of California, San Diego, California, USA.
Insights
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) improves outcomes for heart failure patients with wide QRS. This review covers current guidelines, expanded indications, and managing non-responders for optimal CRT effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Ventricular dyssynchrony is a key factor in heart failure (HF) progression.
- Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) addresses HF by improving synchrony.
- Decades of research have refined CRT devices, techniques, and patient selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution and current guidelines for CRT in mild-to-severe HF.
- To explore emerging evidence for CRT in patient groups beyond current recommendations.
- To discuss challenges and solutions in CRT, including non-responders and optimization.
Main Methods:
- Review of extensive clinical experience and published literature.
- Analysis of guideline evolution based on clinical data.
- Discussion of technological advancements in CRT devices and implantation.
Main Results:
- CRT is a well-established therapy for selected HF patients.
- Evidence supports expanding CRT use to certain patient subgroups.
- Optimizing CRT and managing non-response are critical for success.
Conclusions:
- CRT has significantly advanced HF management.
- Personalized approaches and ongoing evaluation enhance CRT outcomes.
- Future directions include refining patient selection and remote monitoring.
Abstract:
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is common treatment for congestive heart failure (HF) with decreased LV function and wide QRS complex. Its foundations are set in the understanding of the pathophysiology of ventricular dyssynchrony. Over the last several decades, CRT has evolved through changes in implantation techniques, device and lead design, imaging modalities and our growing clinical experience. This review article will discuss the vast clinical experience that has led to current guidelines recommendations for CRT in patients with mild-to-severe HF. In addition, the article will also discuss recent evidence of benefits of CRT in patients beyond the guidelines. The article will also address the issue of non-responders, optimisation of CRT, postimplant evaluation and remote monitoring.
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