Dr Swapnil Mate Cardiologist

Who Needs Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Cardiac Resynchronization therapy is needed by those individuals who :

Are suffering from heart failure. Congestive cardiac failure can take place when the heart has completely lost its ability to pump blood to other organs of the body. Heart failure results in developing excess fluid in and around the lungs, coughing blood, shortness of breath, swelling of the abdomen, legs, and ankles. Even though in some situations, a heart attack can be cured by restoring blood supply to the heart muscle, in the case of heart failure, the only treatment is replacing the heart or installing an artificial pacemaker which might help the heart to function well.
Are suffering from Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is a condition referring to abnormalities in heartbeats due to issues in the electrical conduction system of the heart. When the heart beats too slow, it is known as bradycardia, and when beats too fast, it is known as tachycardia. In some cases, arrhythmia arises with no symptoms. Symptoms, if present, may include shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pain, sensing a pause between heartbeats, blackouts, etc. In a few situations, it may even lead to heart failure or sudden cardiac death.

What To Expect Before The Therapy

Before the therapy :

The physician will do a thorough physical examination of you. Physical examination includes blood pressure test, triglyceride test, coronary calcium scan to check calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, checking the rhythm of the heartbeat. The examiner might ask for any unusual changes that might have occurred in your body. This helps the examiner to analyze your medical history. They also analyze the patient's condition by checking the individual's height and weight. Doctors or nurse practitioners or an assistant of a physician do certain tests to analyze the condition or disease and recommend proper instructions respectively.
You should do certain tests before you come to the physician for your treatment. Some tests include electrocardiography which detects the minute changes that take place as a result of the contraction and relaxation of the cardiac muscle, echocardiogram, where a device called a transducer is used to show the live image of the heart. Test reports of intravascular ultrasound can also be asked for, where a catheter instead of a transducer to capture the images of coronary arteries. This helps the specialists to see whether the blood flow is obstructed or not.
The physician will ask you to not take certain medicines like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or blood thinners before the procedure. You need to mention the medicines that you have been given by your doctor, to the physician.
You should not eat or drink six to eight hours before the procedure.
Gather all the medicines that have been approved by the physician

What To Expect During The Therapy

This procedure is done by an experienced cardiologist, assistant cardiac surgeons, cardiac nurses, and cardiac imaging specialists. This usually takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on the severity of your condition. During the therapy:-

Fluids and medicines will be given to relax your body. Anticoagulants might also be given through an intravenous catheter inserted in your arm, or hand.
The doctor will numb the area where the CRT device has to be inserted. It usually is the area that is just under your left collar bone(clavicle).
Throughout the procedure, your heart rate, blood pressure will be monitored.
A small incision is made where wires and a battery pack for the device are inserted.
The doctor will insert IV lines into the major vein that feeds your heart(superior vena cava). Then, CRT wires will be inserted into the vein. X-rays will be taken to see their appropriate position.
If the CRT wires are in the right place and working, then the doctor will attach them to the pacemaker, which will be placed through the incision under your skin. After the procedure is done, the doctor will close the insertion site and apply a dressing.

What To Expect After The Therapy

After the procedure:-

You might have to stay in the hospital overnight so that the cardiac nurses monitor your blood pressure and heart rate.
Ask the cardiologist or the cardiac nurses about certain restrictions and precautions that you have to maintain, like not engaging in vigorous activities or not lifting any heavy object.
After you are discharged and return home, you can resume your normal activities but make sure to keep the dressing clean and dry.
If you experience pain, swelling, change in temperature, or color of the skin, in the area where the pacemaker is inserted, immediately call the hospital.
You have to visit your doctor every 6 months to check whether the pacemaker is working efficiently or not.
It is important that you stay far away from electrical devices or devices that have a strong magnetic field like microwaves.
Your pacemaker battery will only last up to 4 to 8 years. This information will be given to you before the procedure is executed. Replacing the pacemaker is a minor procedure.

Risks Associated With Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Even though CRT procedure helps in increasing blood flow to the heart, there are certain risks associated with this procedure:-

The faculty of Dr. Swapnil Mate's Cardiology clinic includes experienced cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, cardiac imaging specialists, a preventive cardiology team, experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons and assisting surgeons, physical therapists, nutritionists, geneticists, child-life specialists, a multidisciplinary interventional cardiology team, and a group of pathologists who run by tests and give the proper cause of diseases. The cardiologists and surgeons recommend the ideal surgery to the patients. They mention the advantages and risks associated with the surgeries they plan to do on them. Together, they provide services that cater to their needs. Consult Dr. Swapnil Mate for the best medical assistance.

About Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy