Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Device For Heart Failure

WHAT IS A CARDIAC RESYNChRONISATION THERAPY (CRT) DEVICE?

When people refer to a cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) device, they are actually discussing the system - the CRT device and the leads.

• A CRT device is a device implanted under the skin, typically just below the collarbone. The device delivers therapies to coordinate the heart’s pumping action and treats fast, irregular or slow heart rhythms depending on the type of CRT device. This device may also be referred to as a heart failure device, a pacemaker for heart failure, biventricular device, three-lead CRT device, CRT-P (pacemaker) or a CRT-D (defibrillator).
• Leads are thin, soft insulated wires about the size of a spaghetti noodle. The leads carry the electrical impulse from the CRT device to your heart and relay information about the heart’s activity back to the CRT device.

There are two types of CRT devices—a CRT pacemaker (CRT -P) and a CRT defibrillator (CRT -D). CRT-D devices, like all defibrillators, have a pacemaker function in them. Both devices help to coordinate the heart’s pumping action and deliver pacing therapy for a slow heart rate. However, the CRT-D can also treat fast heart rhythms.

All cardiac resynchronisation therapy devices are designed to use three leads. One lead is placed inside the right atrium, another lead is placed inside the right ventricle and the third lead is placed inside a vein on the outside of the left ventricle.

THE CRT BATTERY

The energy needed for the CRT to work comes from a battery inside the device. How long your battery lasts depend on several factors. Some of these factors include the type of CRT you have, the nature of your heart condition, and how often your CRT provides therapy to your heart.

Because your CRT operates using a battery sealed inside the device, the entire device will need to be replaced when battery power falls to a low level. The leads only need to be changed in exceptional cases.

What do Medtronic Device Tones Sound Like?

Watch the animation and download the infographic to learn about heart failure

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.