Congestive heart failure patients who receive a biventricular implantable cardiodefibrillator (ICD) say their ability to breathe and perform everyday activities improves dramatically.

“Many congestive heart failure (CHF) patients who receive this device just love it,” said Electrophysiologist John Mandrola, M.D. “They have so much more energy after the procedure.”

Patients with poor cardiac function often have disordered electrical synchronization of the right to left ventricle. This dysynchrony leads to poor blood circulation. The heart cannot pump enough blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. As a result, patients with CHF suffer from fatigue and shortness of breath. Often, they lack the energy to do more than get out of bed to go to the bathroom.

The device, a special ICD specifically used for patients with heart failure, is about the size of a small pager. In a 60-minute to two-hour procedure, leads are attached to the heart’s right atrium, the right ventricle and the left ventricle via the coronary sinus. This technique helps the heart to beat in a more balanced way by simultaneously activating the right and left ventricle.

This is known as resynchronization therapy as it adjusts the pacing sequence of the two lower chambers of the heart and helps to improve cardiac function. The second function of the ICD is to provide a safety net for the patient as many patients with advanced CHF are prone to potentially lethal heart rhythm problems.

The procedure is not for everyone. To be eligible, patients must meet strict guidelines, which include left bundle branch block, New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III CHF and previous heart attack with a low ejection fraction from an echocardiogram or cardiac catherization.

When used in conjunction with drug therapy – plus dietary and lifestyle changes – a biventricular ICD often help patients feel better and live longer.

CHF is a problem for 4.8 million patients in the United States. More than 550,000 new cases are diagnosed annually, accounting for 12 to 15 million office visits and 6.5 million hospital days.

One in five Americans over age 40 will develop heart failure in their lifetime.