Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) part 1

 

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), a small electronic apparatus, is surgically implanted to help both chambers (upper heart chambers (atria) and the lower heart chambers (ventricles) contract together. It is a procedure to implant a device in the chest to make the heart's chambers squeeze (contract) in a more organized and efficient way.

 Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) uses a device called a biventricular pacemaker also called a cardiac resynchronization device, that sends electrical signals to both lower chambers of the heart (right and left ventricles). The signals trigger the ventricles to contract in a more coordinated way, which improves the pumping of blood out of the heart. Sometimes the device also contains an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which can deliver an electrical shock to reset the heartbeat if the heart rhythm becomes dangerously irregular.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy devices include

Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a pacemaker (CRT-P). The device used for cardiac resynchronization therapy has three leads that connect the pacemaker to the right upper chamber of the heart (right atria) and both lower chambers (ventricles).

Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a pacemaker and an ICD (CRT-D). It can detect dangerous heart rhythms and deliver a stronger shock of energy than a pacemaker can deliver.

Why it’s done?

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is a treatment for heart failure in people whose lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) are not contracting in a coordinated manner. It is commonly used in people with heart failure or a condition called left bundle branch block, or in people who are likely to need cardiac pacing due to their slow heart rate.

Heart failure can weaken the heart muscle and prevent it from pumping enough blood to support the body. This can be exacerbated if the heart chambers are out of sync with each other. Cardiac resynchronization therapy can reduce the symptoms of heart failure and lower the risk of heart failure complications, including death.

Accounting for complete experience and practice, Dr. Aritra Konar is a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata. He has been deemed one of the best cardiologists and heart surgeons in Kolkata for his expertise lies in Coronary (femoral & radial routes) angiography, Coronary angioplasty (including primary angioplasty), Peripheral angiography and angioplasty, Permanent pacemaker, ICD, CRT implantation, BMV, BPV, Right heart catheterization and so on, in procedural skills. His guidance is trusted and so are his skills.