Heart Failure Quality Measures
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 cardiac resynchronization therapy (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 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.
At St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center, device therapy, including cardiac resynchronization and implantable cardioverter defibrillator, is available for persons with heart failure.