Newer Echocardiographic Techniques in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Heart Fail Clin. 2017 Jan;13(1):53-62. doi: 10.1016/j.hfc.2016.07.005.

Abstract

Echocardiographic imaging plays a major role in patient selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). One-third of patients do not respond; there is interest in advanced echocardiographic imaging to improve response. Current guidelines favor CRT for patients with electrocardiographic (ECG) QRS width of 150 milliseconds or greater and left bundle branch block. ECG criteria are imperfect; there is interest in advanced echocardiographic imaging to improve patient selection. This discussion focuses on newer echocardiographic methods to improve patient selection, improve delivery, and identify patients at risk for poor outcomes and serious ventricular arrhythmias.

Keywords: Cardiac resynchronization therapy; Echocardiography; Heart failure; Ventricular function.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy / methods*
  • Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy / trends
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Echocardiography / trends
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Heart Failure / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Failure / physiopathology
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Patient Selection
  • Stroke Volume / physiology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Function, Left / physiology