What Is a Biventricular Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides an unnoticeable electrical current that causes your heart to beat. A biventricular pacemaker is a special type of pacemaker that paces both sides of the lower chambers of the heart (the right and left ventricles) to help treat heart failure. This type of pacing is called “biventricular pacing” and the therapy provided by biventricular pacing is called “Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy” or CRT. CRT is useful for patients in whom there is uncoordinated activation of the heart muscle and who experience heart failure. By pacing both lower chambers of the heart, CRT helps to re-coordinate the contraction of your heart muscles so the walls of your heart beat at the same time. CRT may reduce shortness of breath, improve symptoms and may even prolong life. Certain types of biventricular pacing devices also provide the ability to shock the heart. These devices are called biventricular defibrillators and function in the same
