From Supraventricular Tachycardias to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

This book focuses on two distinct clinical situations: patients with supraventricular arrhythmias and patients with dyssynchrony who could benefit from resynchronization therapy. Undoubtedly, these two subjects differ, but they share many fundamental characteristics. So, the link between supraventricular arrhythmias and resynchronization therapy is not accidental. On the one hand, persistent atrial arrhythmias may cause the left ventricle to dilate, resulting in tachyarrhythmic cardiomyopathy. Nevertheless, arrhythmias, particularly supraventricular ones such as atrial fibrillation, may worsen dilated cardiomyopathy. Before beginning any resynchronization therapy, the atrial arrhythmia must be addressed to ensure a high pacing percentage and optimum cardiac synchronization. The book's first section focuses on supraventricular arrhythmias, covering tachycardias using accessory pathways and atrial fibrillation. The book's second section discusses the physiological justification and technique of resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure, as well as indications, implantation technique, challenges, and long-term results. Overall, the chapters are useful for experienced arrhythmology specialists, both electrophysiologists and device implantation cardiologists. They cover equally demanding procedures of CRT implantation and the treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias using catheter ablation.