What is biventricular paced rhythm?

Biventricular pacing is a promising new procedure that improves the left ventricle’s ability to fully pump blood from the heart. As a result, patients are able to exert themselves more easily, live longer and have a higher quality of life. Biventricular pacing works like a pacemaker.

What is a biventricular pacemaker used for?

A biventricular pacemaker is an implantable device for people with advanced heart failure due to abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and/or function. The device consists of three wire leads and a pulse generator, which contains a battery and a tiny computer. Healthcare providers implant the device during a procedure.

Is a biventricular ICD a pacemaker?

A biventricular pacemaker and ICD is a small, lightweight device powered by batteries. This device helps keep your heart pumping normally. It also protects you from dangerous heart rhythms.

Who needs a biventricular pacemaker?

Who Is a Candidate for a Biventricular Pacemaker? Biventricular pacemakers improve the symptoms of heart failure in about 50% of people that have been treated with medications but still have severe or moderately severe heart failure symptoms.

What’s the difference between AFib and VFib?

In AFib, the heart’s rate and rhythm will become irregular. Although serious, AFib is not typically an immediately life-threatening event. In VFib, the heart will no longer pump blood. VFib is a medical emergency that will lead to death if not treated promptly.

Can you pace atrial fibrillation?

In patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF), pacing from one or both atria has been suggested as a means to reduce AF recurrences. There is no conclusive evidence to support the implantation of an atrial pacemaker to prevent AF in patients with a history of AF but no indication for pacing [1].

How is a biventricular pacemaker inserted?

An incision is made in the chest where the leads and device are inserted. The leads (wires that deliver the electrical impulse to provide biventricular pacing) are inserted through the incision and into a vein and then guided to the heart with the aid of X-ray.

What is the cost of a biventricular pacemaker?

However, these devices currently cost in the region of dollar US 33,500 and require replacement upon battery depletion.