Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)

(Also known as: Resynchronization Therapy, Biventricular Pacing, Biventricular Pacemakers)

Heart failure is sometimes caused by a lack of coordination between the heart’s chambers, preventing an efficient flow of blood. Cardiac resynchronization therapy involves the implantation of a pacemaker-type device that delivers small electric shocks to both ventricles of the heart in order to coordinate, or “synchronize,” their function and ensure their optimal performance. (For a diagram illustrating normal blood flow through the heart’s chambers, click here.)