What Is a Biventricular Pacemaker?

A biventricular pacemaker is designed specifically to treat heart failure. Like other pacing devices, it has leads that connect to the right side of the heart. Unlike others, it has a third lead that connects to the left side of the heart.

Purpose

• A biventricular pacer provides "cardiac resynchronization therapy" (CRT) to correct the ineffective pumping action caused by heart failure. This therapy is focused on the left ventricle, the lower left chamber of the heart that pumps blood to the entire body.

Features

• The pacemaker consists of a pulse generator and one or more leads. The generator is a small titanium package containing the electronics and battery. The leads connect it to the heart.

  The right atrial and/or right ventricular leads are typical to all pacemakers. The left ventricular lead is found only in the biventricular type.

Function

• The left and right ventricular leads pace the left ventricle at the same time, forcing both sides to contract simultaneously. This greatly increases the pumping action over the non-synchronized contraction often found in heart failure patients.

Benefits

• By improving blood flow, the biventricular pacemaker improves the transfer of oxygen throughout the body. This helps the body to function efficiently and avoid dangerous heart failure complications such as kidney failure and fluid buildup, or edema.

Considerations

• Surgery is required to implant a pacemaker. This carries some risk. Your doctor can inform you of the risks and benefits of the biventricular pacemaker.