CRT- D implantation

CRT-D stands for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy with Defibrillation. It's a specialized procedure involving the implantation of a device designed to treat certain types of heart failure and life-threatening arrhythmias.

During a CRT-D implantation, a device that combines the functions of a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is implanted in the chest or abdomen. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia.

The CRT-D device consists of three main components: a pulse generator, leads (thin wires), and electrodes. The pulse generator is implanted under the skin, usually below the collarbone, and contains the battery and electronic circuitry. The leads are threaded through blood vessels into the heart and are positioned in specific locations to deliver pacing pulses to the heart muscle.

CRT-D works by delivering synchronized electrical impulses to the heart's chambers (usually the right and left ventricles) to improve the coordination of heart contractions and optimize heart function. This helps to correct electrical dyssynchrony, a condition where the electrical signals in the heart are not properly synchronized, often seen in patients with heart failure.

In addition to CRT, the device also functions as an ICD, capable of detecting and treating life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) by delivering high-energy electrical shocks (defibrillation) to restore normal heart rhythm.

CRT-D implantation is indicated for patients with moderate to severe heart failure who have reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and meet specific criteria, such as evidence of electrical dyssynchrony on electrocardiogram (ECG) and persistent symptoms despite optimal medical therapy.