Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) | Heart Failure Treatment | MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is an advanced device therapy applied to support the synchronized operation of the heart chambers in suitable heart failure patients. Who is CRT performed on, how is it done, and what is the treatment process like? Get detailed information through the evaluations of Prof. Dr. Osman Beton.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)
Heart failure is a chronic heart disease that develops as a result of the heart being unable to pump the amount of blood required by the body effectively. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid fatigue, decreased exercise capacity, swelling in the feet, and significant limitations in daily life activities can be observed. In some heart failure patients, not only does the pumping power decrease, but the right and left ventricles of the heart also begin to contract asynchronously with each other. This condition can make efficient cardiac operation even more difficult. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is one of the advanced device therapies aimed at restoring electrical harmony between the heart chambers in suitable patients.
The CRT system helps contractions occur more synchronously by stimulating the right and left ventricles of the heart with specific timing. Thus, it aims to support heart pumping performance, reduce heart failure symptoms, and improve quality of life. However, this treatment is not suitable for every heart failure patient. The treatment decision is made in accordance with the patient’s cardiac functions, ECG findings, existing complaints, and international cardiology guidelines.
At MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is planned by our Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Osman Beton following a detailed cardiological evaluation. The goal is to support electrical harmony of the heart in suitable patients and manage the treatment process on a personalized basis.
What is Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)?
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy is an advanced device therapy applied in patients with heart failure who develop synchronization disorders in cardiac electrical conduction.
The CRT device consists of a generator placed under the skin similar to a classic pacemaker and special leads extending into the heart. However, unlike standard pacemakers, it aims to achieve more synchronized contraction of the heart chambers by sending electrical impulses targeting the right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle.
Who Can Undergo CRT?
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy is not applied to every heart failure patient. The treatment decision is made as a result of a detailed cardiological evaluation.
CRT can be evaluated in the following patient groups:
Heart failure patients meeting specific criteria
Individuals with reduced left ventricular contractile power
Patients with a wide QRS complex
Suitable patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB)
Individuals whose heart failure symptoms continue despite medical treatment
Patients for whom the cardiology specialist considers CRT treatment suitable
Which device will be used and the treatment plan are determined entirely according to the patient’s clinical condition.
Which Tests Are Performed Before CRT?
Before planning CRT, the structure and functions of the heart are evaluated in detail.
When deemed necessary:
Cardiology examination
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Echocardiography
Holter rhythm recording
Blood tests
Cardiac MRI
Coronary angiography when necessary
Heart failure evaluation
can be applied.
Thanks to these examinations, the patient’s likelihood of benefiting from CRT treatment is evaluated and the most appropriate device type is determined.
How is Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Applied?
The CRT device is implanted through a procedure performed under sterile conditions in the interventional cardiology laboratory. The procedure is mostly applied under local anesthesia.
A small incision is made below the collarbone, and special leads are advanced through the vein into the right atrium, right ventricle, and via the coronary sinus to the left ventricle. After confirming the proper position of the leads, the generator is placed under the skin and the device is programmed.
After the procedure is completed, the electrical parameters of the device are checked in detail. Patients are kept under observation for a certain period and discharge is planned according to their general health status.
What Are the Advantages of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)?
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is one of the advanced device therapies that support the synchronized operation of the right and left ventricles of the heart in the appropriate patient group. It is evaluated as an important complementary treatment option to medical therapy, especially in heart failure patients meeting specific criteria. However, not every heart failure patient may benefit from this treatment to the same extent. The treatment decision must be made in line with international cardiology guidelines and detailed patient evaluation.
In suitable patients CRT:
Can contribute to improving cardiac contraction synchronization.
Can help alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath and rapid fatigue due to heart failure.
Can support performing daily life activities more comfortably.
Can contribute to increasing exercise capacity.
Can support the improvement of heart pumping performance.
Can help increase quality of life.
The benefit provided by the treatment may vary depending on the cause of heart failure, left ventricular functions, ECG findings, applied medical therapy, and the overall health status of the patient.
Are There Risks of CRT Application?
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy is considered among safe device therapies when applied by experienced interventional cardiology teams. Nevertheless, as with any interventional procedure, certain risks cannot be completely eliminated.
Detailed patient evaluation is performed and necessary tests are completed prior to the procedure. Post-procedure, the patient is closely monitored for bleeding, bruising, infection at the entry site, lead-related problems, or other rarely seen complications. In treatment planning, the expected benefits and potential risks are evaluated together to determine a personalized approach.
Life After CRT
A large majority of patients fitted with a CRT device can return to daily life in a controlled manner following the recovery process. In the initial weeks, it is important not to overexert the arm on the side where the device was implanted and to comply with physician recommendations.
The device needs to be checked at regular intervals. During these checks, battery longevity, operation of the leads, and harmony of the device with the heart are evaluated using special programmer systems. Device settings can be readjusted when necessary. To support treatment success, regular use of heart failure medications, controlling salt intake, healthy nutrition, and maintaining appropriate physical activity programs are also of great importance.
Importance of Experience in CRT Treatment
In Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy, correct patient selection, determining the appropriate device, placing the left ventricular lead in the ideal position, and accurately programming device settings are among the most critical factors affecting long-term treatment success.
At MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, Prof. Dr. Osman Beton decides on the necessity of CRT by analyzing patients’ ECG recordings, echocardiography findings, heart failure evaluations, and other cardiological examinations in detail. The treatment plan is created on a personalized basis for each patient in line with current international heart failure and cardiology guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CRT and a classic pacemaker the same device?
No. A classic pacemaker is primarily used to regulate slow cardiac rhythm. CRT, on the other hand, is a specialized device system used in heart failure treatment by supporting the simultaneous contraction of the right and left ventricles of the heart.
Is CRT performed via open-heart surgery?
No. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy is not open-heart surgery. The procedure is an interventional cardiology application usually performed under local anesthesia.
Can CRT be applied to every heart failure patient?
No. The treatment is recommended only in suitable patients meeting specific clinical criteria. The decision is made following a detailed cardiological evaluation.
How long does the CRT device battery last?
Battery longevity may vary depending on the device model, usage features, and the amount of stimulation required by the patient. Battery status is monitored during regular checkups, and generator replacement is planned when necessary.
Can one return to normal life after CRT implantation?
Yes. As long as physician recommendations are followed and regular checkups are not neglected, a large majority of patients can continue daily life and many routine activities in a controlled manner.
Conclusion
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is one of the advanced device therapies applied to support electrical harmony between the chambers of the heart in heart failure patients meeting specific criteria. In suitable patients, it can contribute to achieving more synchronized cardiac contractions, reducing heart failure symptoms, and increasing quality of life. However, since it may not be suitable for every patient, the treatment decision must be made after a detailed cardiological evaluation.
In line with comprehensive evaluations performed by Prof. Dr. Osman Beton at MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, a personalized treatment plan is created for every patient. Patients applying from across Güzelyurt, TRNC, Cyprus, and North Cyprus can receive detailed evaluations regarding heart failure, cardiac resynchronization therapy, CRT, permanent pacemaker, cardiac rhythm disorders, and interventional cardiology applications. If you are experiencing shortness of breath, rapid fatigue, or significant limitations in daily life activities due to heart failure, early cardiology evaluation can help determine the most suitable treatment option for you.