Epicardial Lead Placement for CRT

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) uses an implanted biventricular pacing system to treat patients with heart failure. The system delivers low-energy electrical impulses to restore proper timing of the heart's contractions. This allows the heart to fill with blood and work more efficiently. At the Cleveland Clinic, epicardial leads used for biventricular pacing are implanted by our cardiothoracic surgeons.

Epicardial Lead Placement & Concomitant Procedures, 2000 - 2004

Epicardial pacing leads are often implanted at the time of CABG, valve repair or replacement, or other cardiac procedures.

Minimally Invasive Approach For Biventricular Lead Placement

Cardiac surgeons are now able to insert biventricular leads using robotics and a thorascopic approach to treat patients with heart failure. The first illustration shows robotic technology for placing pacing leads on the ventricle. The second shows thorascopic lead placement.