The following article may benefit patients with symptoms of mild to moderate heart failure. According to a latest study commenced by the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI), a novel therapeutic implant synchronizes and strengthens fading heart beat while decreasing risk of death by 24 percent as compared to current treatment. The device can probably help the lower chambers of the heart beat strongly and in unison, further boosting quality of life and reducing the threat of sudden death.
Conducted in 2003 the study encompasses 1,798 patients in 24 centres in Canada, Australia, Europe and Turkey. Heart failure patients were implanted with a basic miniature defibrillator (ICD) or the new device. The device is equipped with insulated wires known as leads for transmitting signals and electrical impulses to the heart. These signals as well as impulses seemingly stimulate and coordinate the heart to be beating in-sync. Such a treatment is termed as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
On completion of the 40 months follow up, patients with CRT registered better survival rate and a decline in the risk of death. Patients with CRT may be less likely of being admitted in a hospital due to worsening heart failure. Dr. Anthony Tang and colleagues affirm that a broader population of heart failure patients can seek aid from CRT.
The study was published online in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.