Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), also called biventricular pacing, uses an implantable biventricular pacemaker, about the size of a half dollar, which sends small electrical impulses to the heart to help the right and left ventricles pump together more normally.
To "resynchronize" contractions and improve the pumping efficiency of the heart, CRT uses three leads, one each going into the right atria, right ventricle and left ventricle. This pacemaker is usually implanted just below the collarbone.
This differs from a traditional pacemaker, which only treats the right ventricle.
This therapy is for patients for whom medication is not enough to treat their arrhythmia, typically those with advanced heart failure.
Patients who use CRT usually enjoy improved life quality, improved ability to exercise and fewer hospitalizations for heart failure.
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The Arrhythmia Program at the University of Michigan has been a national and international leader in the treatment of arrhythmias for more than 30 years. To schedule an appointment to discuss your heart arrhythmia or other cardiovascular condition, call us at 888-287-1082 or visit our Make an Appointment page for more information about what to expect when you call us.