Optimizing Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Patients with Heart Failure

Abstract

Up to one third of patients with heart failure, who meet the current guidelines for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), do not derive a significant benefit from this device therapy. This thesis explores novel methods to optimize response to CRT, as well as investigates the physiologic mechanisms involved in benefit. Finally, surrogate markers of CRT response are compared to patient important outcomes in a systematic review to understand the relationship. The overarching conclusion is that optimizing CRT response requires individualized pre-implant, implant and post implant considerations.