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Get A QuoteHeart failure patients can utilise an electrical device called a CRT-D. To repair an irregular heart rhythm, an electric signal is first detected by a CRT-D (cardiac resynchronisation therapy-defibrillator). When a patient has a fatal heart condition that causes their heart to beat rapidly and irregularly, CRT-D is utilised to treat it. To correct irregular heart activity, the CRT-D device delivers extremely weak and painless electrical stimulation to the heart.
Indian patients should expect to pay between $10,200 and $13,600 for a CRT-D implant. For overseas patients, the price ranges from USD 15,300 to USD 18,700. Although the implantation of a CRT-D is a reasonably straightforward procedure that takes two to four hours to perform, it is not as complicated as open-heart surgery. Improved heart activity following the device's implantation leads to increased blood flow and, ultimately, an improvement in the patient's quality of life.
What Is Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy With A Defibrillator (CRT-D)?
A pacemaker and an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) are used in this combination device. For those with heart failure who are also at risk of sudden cardiac death, it might be advised. It can identify and fix harmful cardiac rhythms. It can shock the heart out of a hazardous rhythm or pace the heartbeat.
Why Is A CRT-D Device Implanted?
Patients with heart failure conditions who are at an increased risk of developing tachyarrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) are implanted with a Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Device (CRT-D). By assisting your heart in pumping blood more efficiently, the CRT part of the device is intended to treat heart failure. Over time, this can help the heart function more efficiently and alleviate symptoms such as exhaustion and shortness of breath.
Tachyarrhythmia, characterised by rapid or irregular heartbeats, can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and loss of consciousness. The defibrillator component is intended to treat this condition. These rapid or irregular heartbeats may be fatal in those circumstances.
Epicardial CRT-D Implantation
Epicardial implantation is a type of CRT-D implantation that utilises the open-chest approach, with device placement on the epicardial surface of the heart. Epicardial implantation is usually considered when other forms of lead placement pose issues, or, in some cases, the patient is undergoing other heart surgeries.
Transvenous CRT-D Implantation
This type of implantation is a less invasive approach for CRT-D implantation, where the CRT-D device is implanted using blood vessels typically located around the right upper chest, with leads being threaded through these vessels and into the heart chambers. Transvenous implantation is the most common overall approach and generally has shorter contact and recovery periods than epicardial implantation.
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Using a Pacemaker (CRT-P):
CRT-P devices are a form of treatment for heart failure. They work by combining the function of a pacemaker with the function of resynchronisation therapy. The heart contains four chambers that have to act like a well-timed orchestra, and the CRT-P device sends signals that facilitate synchronisation. Essentially, the CRT-P device utilises electrical signals to help the heart's chambers contract in a coordinated manner, thereby improving the heart's ability to pump.
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Using a Pacemaker and an ICD (CRT-D):
A CRT-D is a device that combines cardiac resynchronisation therapy with both pacemaker and ICD functions. CRT-D devices are designed specifically for patients with heart failure who have some issues regarding the rhythm of the heart and who are at risk for life-threatening events.
Multi-Site Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Using All Three Signals (Multi-Site CRT-D):
In addition to the capacity for leads on the right side of the heart, Multi-Site CRT-D devices may also include an additional lead on the left lower side of the heart. This strategy further enhances the performance of the CRT-D device to improve overall heart contractions.
The following is a general outline of the CRT-D implantation process:
Anaesthesia: During the procedure, the patient is administered anaesthesia to lessen the effects of pain and suffering.
Incision: Usually, a tiny incision is made close to the collarbone and in the upper chest.
Lead Insertion: A vein is used to advance one or more pacing leads to the heart. These leads are directed to particular areas of the heart chambers. The CRT-D device, which is often positioned beneath the skin beneath the collarbone, is then attached to the leads.
Implantation of the Device: The CRT-D device is placed in an indentation made beneath the skin, usually close to the collarbone. The leads are then attached to the device.
Testing and Programming: To ensure correct operation, the device undergoes a rigorous testing process. Based on the patient's unique cardiac condition, the surgeon configures the CRT-D device settings to provide the proper treatment.
Closure and Recovery: After applying a bandage to the incision site, the wound is sutured shut.
How a CRT-D Device Works?
By inserting pacemaker leads into the right and left sides of the heart, the CRT component simultaneously sends pacing impulses to the heart's two ventricles, or pumping chambers. Over time, this can alleviate the symptoms of heart failure by improving your heart's overall pumping function.
Importantly, these clinical improvements typically take weeks or months to manifest and do not occur immediately. The defibrillator component continuously monitors your heart rate. The device will recognise and react accordingly if your heart rhythm shifts from a normal one to a fast or irregular one.
The gadget can accomplish this in two ways:
Against tachycardia Pacing (ATP): In an attempt to stop the arrhythmia and get your heartbeat back to normal, the device will give you a brief burst of rapid pacing. Palpitations are possible, but they won't hurt you.
Shock Therapy: The device will deliver a shock to restart your heart's rhythm. The sensation is often described by patients as a shock or kick in the chest. It will only hurt for a little while.
After You Have Your CRT-D Implanted
To give the leads time to settle into the heart muscle and for tissue to form around them, which will hold them in place, you must avoid overusing the arm on the implant side for the first six weeks after your procedure. During the first few weeks, you should refrain from carrying heavy objects, such as shopping bags, or lifting your arm over shoulder height.
Wound Care:
Get in touch with your device's follow-up facility if you believe you have an infection at the location of your wound.
Infection symptoms include:
Indian patients should expect to pay between $10,200 and $13,600 for a CRT-D implant. For overseas patients, the price ranges from USD 15,300 to USD 18,700. Although the implantation of a CRT-D is a reasonably straightforward procedure that takes two to four hours to perform, it is not as complicated as open-heart surgery. Improved heart activity following the device's implantation leads to increased blood flow and, ultimately, an improvement in the patient's quality of life.
The following conditions are the main indications for CRT-D:
Benefits of CRT-D Implantation
The risk factors associated with CRT-D implants include some risks related to the surgical procedure itself, such as:
Surgery Risks
Complications from the surgery itself include infection, bleeding, or reactions to anaesthesia.
Lead Placement Complications
There can be complications from placement or threading of the leads in the hear,t including perforation, dislodgment, and injury to the blood vessels or structures of the heart.
Device Complications
Malfunction of the CRT-D device, lead fractures, or electrical connection issues can occur.
Infection
Implantation site infection is always a risk, which may lead to severe infection at any body site.
Pneumothorax
An accidental puncture of the lung lining may occur during lead insertion and lead to air accumulation in the pleural space.
Pericardial Effusion
There is always the risk of fluid accumulation in the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium), which may impact the normal function of the heart.
Blood Clots
Blood clots may form around leads or the device itself, which may increase the risk of strokes or other complications.
Arrhythmias
There is a possibility of an abnormal heart rhythm that can make the patient’s condition worse.
Allergic Reactions
Some patients have allergic reactions to components of the device, medications, or materials that were utilised during the procedure.
Recovery Problems
There may be complications related to postoperative pain, discomfort, and slower recovery from the implantation procedure.
Psychologic Problems
There can be emotional and psychological issues associated with living with an implanted device.
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Patients with heart failure, especially those with certain arrhythmias, can benefit from the cutting-edge therapy option known as Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy with a Defibrillator (CRT-D). The two essential roles of this therapy are to make the heart beat more synchronised and to prevent potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias by offering defibrillation capabilities. For patients considering this intervention, it is essential to understand the process, its indications, benefits, and potential risks.
A CRT-D device is a more advanced type of pacemaker and includes a defibrillator in addition to its primary function of regulating heart rhythm. A pacemaker is primarily for patients with slow heart rhythms, while a CRT-D is used for heart failure patients who have an inherent risk of sudden cardiac death. Pacemakers and CRT-Ds are implanted under the skin and have leads connected to the heart.
For Indian patients, the cost of a CRT-D implant ranges from $10,200 to $13,600. For patients from abroad, the cost ranges from USD 15,300 to USD 18,700.
The cost of getting a pacemaker implanted can vary, but it typically ranges between $4,000 and $25,000, depending on the type of pacemaker (single, dual, or biventricular), the need for MRI compatibility, and where the surgery is performed. It can incur additional costs, including hospital stays, hotels, food, and other expenses.