Device Therapy

At Strong Memorial Hospital, device therapy, including cardiac resynchronization and implantable cardioverter defibrillator, is available for persons with heart failure.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a technique that uses a bi-ventricular pacemaker to synchronize the contraction of the bottom chambers of the heart, improving pumping action and reducing heart failure symptoms.

According to study results published in the New England Journal of Medicine, May, 2004: 350(21); 2140-2150, persons with advanced heart failure have a reduced risk of death and disability when CRT is used in conjunction with implantable defibrillator therapy. Researchers report in the Journal of American Cardiology, July, 2002: 40(1); 111-8 that the clinical benefits endure through a one-year follow-up.

Not all persons with heart failure meet the specific criteria for CRT, and it does not replace the need for heart failure medications.

Many who qualify for CRT may also benefit from having an internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which monitors the heart rhythm continuously and delivers therapy in the form of fast pacing or shocks as needed. The ICD provides life-saving therapy that is delivered as soon as a problem is detected.

Persons with an ICD, who did not meet the criteria for CRT when receiving the ICD, may have the existing ICD upgraded, or reprogrammed, to provide CRT if the need arises. This type of upgrade may require additional lead placement.