[Only for limited indications. Biventricular pacemaker improves severe heart failure].

Abstract

In patients with congestive heart disease in whom left ventricular dilatation is associated with severely disordered contraction due to delayed ventricular conduction, a new form of treatment not requiring drugs is currently becoming established--biventricular pacing. Via an implanted electrode, biventricular stimulation accelerates conduction in the left ventricle and resynchronizes its contraction. Patients being considered for such therapy must have stable stage III disease (NYHA classification) under optimal medication, and a left bundle branch block with a QRS of at least 150 ms. Definitive recommendations with regard to indications will be possible only when current randomized mortality studies have been concluded.

• Authors: M Block, O Stange-Budumlu, H Mair, A Schütz, A Götz
• Journal: MMW Fortschritte der Medizin (MMW Fortschr Med) Vol. 143 Issue 26-27 Pg. 45-7 (Jul 05 2001) ISSN: 1438-3276 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Nur bei strenger Indikationsstellung. Biventrikulärer Schrittmacher bessert schwere Herzinsuffizienz.
• PMID: 11481917 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Cardiomyopathy, Dilated (complications, therapy)
• Equipment Design
• Heart Block (therapy)
• Heart Failure (complications, therapy)
• Humans
• Pacemaker, Artificial
• Tachycardia, Ventricular (therapy)
• Treatment Outcome