Cardiac resynchronization therapy – Wikipedia

An implanted cardiac resynchronization device is a medical device used in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). It resynchronizes the contractions of the hearts ventricles by sending tiny electrical impulses to the heart muscle, which can help the heart pump blood throughout the body more efficiently. CRT defibrillators (CRT-D) also incorporate the additional function of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, to quickly terminate an abnormally fast, life-threatening heart rhythm. CRT and CRT-D have become increasingly important therapeutic options for patients with moderate and severe heart failure.[1]

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective therapy in patients with heart failure and dyssynchrony identified as a prolonged QRS duration.[2] Benefits include improved exercise tolerance, reduced remodeling (reduction in LV chamber size and measures of mitral regurgitation), reduced mortality, and reduced need for hospitalization in patients in sinus rhythm.

Several research papers[3][4] have proposed software platforms for planning and guiding the implantation of CRT devices. This research proposes using pre-operative images to characterize tissue and left ventricle activation to identify potential target regions for deploying the CRT leads.

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Cardiac resynchronization therapy - Wikipedia