Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy is used when the impulses travelling through the heart are non-uniform and slow. This causes the left ventricle of the heart to contract a fraction of second late than the right ventricle. The resultant lack of synchronization between the contractions of the heart chambers severely hampers the ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently.
What does CRT Device do?
CRT device functions as a pacemaker by re-synchronizing the contractions of the heart chambers by making them contract simultaneously. Furthermore, the device also drastically improves the contraction of the left ventricle. CRT differs from pacemaker in the respect that unlike pacemakers, its functions are not confined to pace only the right ventricle and control heart rate.
CRT D is a CRT device with pacemaker and ICD functions. It improves the overall efficiency of the heart to pump blood. CRT D is recommended by the doctor if there is evidence of poor heart muscle coordination provided by ECG or echocardiography. The crt d pacemaker cost in india is much more affordable than in USA and other western nations.
What is the procedure to implant it?
CRT device is just like a pacemaker and has the same size as that of a pocket watch. The device comes with insulated wires called leads which are flexible. These wires are positioned on the heart to send electrical impulses to the heart chambers for coordinating their contractions. The device itself is implanted underneath the collar bone. Implantation procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic. It takes about 2 hours to complete the procedure.
The lead is inserted into the body through a vein in the shoulder or at the base of the neck. The cardiologist uses X-ray imaging to guide the lead into the correct chamber of the heart. A stitch is made on the shoulder in order to firmly secure the lead. The lead is then fitted with the device which rests in the space between the skin and the chest muscles.
The crt d cost in india including the process of implantation costs about $17,000. The battery of the device usually lasts for about 5-7 years. When the battery needs to be replaced, there is no need to replace the leads, only the device is replaced.
Indications of CRT D
A patient suffering with the following conditions may need CRT D.
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Risk of developing Ventricular Tachycardia or Ventricular Fibrillation
- Electrical delay across the lower chambers of the heart
Congestive Heart Failure is a common condition affecting the heart’s rhythm for which this device is recommended.
Life after CRT D implantation
The patient may feel some pain and discomfort after the procedure, and there can even be some bruising at the site of the device, but the problems are transient. Normal activities can usually be resumed after 2-4 weeks.
The doctor needs to check the device after every three to six months. Medicines prescribed by the doctor must be taken regularly. It is also important to inform any other doctor or dentist about the device before going in for any medical or dental procedure.
