Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

 

The Full form of CRT is Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. CRT, also known as multisite ventricular pacing or biventricular pacing, involves simultaneous pacing of the left ventricle (LV) and the right ventricle (RV). CRT is a clinically proven treatment option for patients with heart failure. A CRT device sends small electrical impulses to both lower chambers of the heart to help them beat together in a more synchronized pattern. This may improve the heart’s ability to pump blood and oxygen to the body. A Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy system is made up of two parts. First is the heart device, which is actually a tiny computer, plus a battery, contained in a small titanium metal case that is about the size of a pocket watch. Other is Insulated wires, also called leads that are implanted to carry information signals from the heart to the heart device and to carry electrical impulses to the heart. Because Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy increases blood flow and improves the heart’s efficiency, patients have reported alleviations of some heart failure symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. Clinical studies of CRT also suggest decreases in hospitalization and morbidity as well as improvements in quality of life.