Devices in heart failure; diagnosis, detection and disease modification

Introduction/background

Implantable cardiac devices are widely used in chronic heart failure (CHF) therapy. This review covers current CHF treatment with electronic cardiac devices, areas of discussion and emerging technologies.

Sources of data

A comprehensive search of available literature resources including Pubmed, MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed. National and international guidelines were accessed.

Areas of agreement

Excessive right ventricular pacing is detrimental to cardiac function. Cardiac resynchronization therapy is beneficial in specific individuals with CHF.

Areas of controversy

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators might not benefit all. Optimizing CRT delivery. Remote monitoring seems not to be of benefit in CHF.

Growing points

Device-based optimization.

Areas timely for developing research

Personalization of device therapy. Focussing implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy. What to do at implantable cardioverter defibrillator box change?