An Approach to Overcoming Specific Difficulties with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Children

Abstract

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is now a well established treatment modality for adult patients with drug refractory symptomatic congestive heart failure. Multiple large-scale studies have clearly demonstrated reduction in heart failure-related morbidity with CRT. More recently, a likely independent mortality benefit with CRT has also been shown. Improvement in quality of life, decrease in left ventricular diastolic dimension, improved objective assessment of exercise tolerance, and decreased heart failure-related hospitalizations have all been well demonstrated in the adult population. Whether or not these benefits occur in younger patients is not clear. Since none of the major trials for CRT have included children, much is unknown about the specifics of indication, difficulties with implant, and efficacy in the pediatric populatio

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