CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT)
A DEVICE TO IMPROVE THE EFFIENCY OF YOUR HEART
If your heart fails to pump blood around your body efficiently, your consultant may recommend a CRT device
What is Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy?
CRT is a pacemaker or defibrillator with three leads. It improves the pumping efficiency of your heart. In some patients with heart failure the main pumping chambers beat out of time with each other.
CRT has wires reaching both the right and left pumping chambers, enabling both to beat together. This is called resynchronisation.
Need to know
Having your CRT device implanted is a relatively straightforward procedure. It is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and sedation, meaning you'll be awake for the duration but very drowsy.
Your consultant is likely to place the device under the skin near your collarbone on the left hand side of your chest. It is then attached to three wires that are guided through a blood vessel and into both the right and left ventricles (chambers) of your heart. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours. You will usually stay in hospital overnight.
Your consultant will tell you how best to prepare for your procedure.
You may be able to return home on the same day as your procedure, but most people will need to spend one night in hospital to recover. Your consultant will let you know what to expect. You should rest at home for a few days after the procedure to allow time for the area to heal.
Your consultant will discuss this with you and let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise. They’ll also give you advice on any medication you may need to continue taking to manage your condition. At first you'll be able to feel the pacemaker beating in your chest. It may feel a little uncomfortable in certain positions.
Our Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.