Implant Synchronizes, Strengthens Failing Heart

A new therapeutic implant synchronizes and strengthens a failing heart while reducing the risk of death by 24 per cent, revealed a study done at he University of Ottawa Heart Institute(UOHI).

"This kind of device brings the potential to save thousands of lives in Canada alone and offers new hope to so many heart patients and their families," said Dr. Anthony Tang.

Heart failure patients were implanted with either a basic miniature defibrillator (ICD) or with a new device carrying insulated wires called leads to transmit signals and electrical impulses to the heart in an effort to stimulate and coordinate the heart to be beating in-sync.

This therapy is called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

The study results indicated that patients with CRT live longer with a reduction of the rate of death. In addition, patients with CRT were less likely to be admitted to hospital for worsening of heart failure.

"This trial demonstrates that a broader population of heart failure patients could benefit from our therapies, including those with mild symptoms, and they should receive them," said Neil Fraser, President of Medtronic of Canada Ltd., which also co-funded the research.

Results of the clinical trial were published online today in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine.

Source: ANI