Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

More Options for People With Heart Failure Symptoms

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can ease heart failure symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. It can also delay heart failure progression, which may reduce your chances of needing hospitalization or heart surgery. At UMass Memorial Health, our cardiologists and electrophysiologists are highly knowledgeable about CRT and other implantable devices for heart failure.

How Does Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Work?

Cardiac resynchronization therapy, also called biventricular pacing, synchronizes the rhythm of your heart.

When you have heart failure, the left side of the heart (left ventricle) doesn’t work as it should. Your heart can’t pump blood efficiently, so your body doesn’t get the oxygen-rich blood it needs. CRT uses a biventricular pacemaker to “pace” the left and right sides of your heart so they work in unison and improve heart function.

In some cases, we recommend an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) with the biventricular pacemaker. An ICD detects and corrects irregular heartbeats. It can reduce the risk of sudden death from cardiac arrest.

How Do We Perform CRT?

CRT is a minimally invasive procedure performed in our state-of-the-art electrophysiology lab. You receive local anesthesia and light sedation. An electrophysiologist: 

• Makes a small incision (cut) in your chest
• Implants the CRT device under your skin
• Guides two leads (wires) through veins that lead to your heart
• Attaches the leads to the left and right sides of your heart
• Tests the leads by sending an electrical impulse to your heart
• Attaches the leads to the CRT device
• Closes the incision

Am I a Candidate for CRT? 

We may recommend CRT if you have: 

• A weakened and enlarged heart
• Left bundle branch block (disrupted electrical signals in your heart)
• Low ejection fraction (the left ventricle doesn’t pump enough blood)
• Moderate to severe heart failure symptoms
• Symptoms that don’t improve with medication and lifestyle changes

Heart Failure Leaders in Central Massachusetts

UMass Memorial Medical Center is home to the only comprehensive heart failure program in Central Massachusetts. The program is nationally recognized as High-Performing by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking means our patient care and outcomes exceed national averages.