Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Bangalore | Dr Ameet Oswal
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is a medical treatment that involves the implantation of a special device called a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in the heart of a patient with heart failure. This device helps to synchronize the contractions of the heart’s chambers, improving the heart’s efficiency and reducing the symptoms of heart failure.
What is Heart Failure?
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, resulting in a reduced flow of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s organs and tissues. This can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and ankles. Heart failure can occur due to various causes, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and previous heart attacks.
How Does CRT Work?
CRT works by using a pacemaker or ICD to send electrical signals to the heart’s chambers, synchronizing their contractions. In a normal heart, the two lower chambers (ventricles) contract together, pushing blood out of the heart and into the arteries. However, in some patients with heart failure, the ventricles contract out of sync, reducing the heart’s efficiency.
CRT involves the implantation of a pacemaker or ICD with an additional wire that is placed in the left ventricle of the heart. This wire allows the device to deliver electrical signals to both ventricles simultaneously, synchronizing their contractions and improving the heart’s efficiency.
Who is a Candidate for CRT?
CRT is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe heart failure who have reduced ejection fraction (a measure of the heart’s ability to pump blood). In addition, patients who have a wide QRS complex (a measure of the electrical activity in the heart) may also benefit from CRT.
Before implanting the device, a patient will undergo a series of tests to determine whether they are a good candidate for CRT. These tests may include an echocardiogram, a stress test, and a cardiac MRI.
What are the Benefits of CRT?
The benefits of (CRT) Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Bangalore can include:
- Improved symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue and shortness of breath.
- Improved quality of life.
- Reduced hospitalizations and healthcare costs.
- Improved survival rates in certain patient populations.
What are the Risks of CRT?
- As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with CRT. These may include:
- Infection at the site of the device implantation.
- Bleeding or bruising at the site of the device implantation.
- Damage to the heart or blood vessels during the implantation procedure.
- Complications related to the device itself, such as device malfunction or failure.
Conclusion
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Bangalore is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with moderate to severe heart failure who have reduced ejection fraction and a wide QRS complex. By synchronizing the contractions of the heart’s chambers, CRT can improve symptoms, reduce hospitalizations, and improve quality of life. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with CRT, and patients should discuss these risks with their healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.