CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT)
- No.1 in the UK for private cardiac care
- Appointments with a cardiac specialist in as little as 24 hours
- 99% of our cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
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Cardiac resynchronisation therapy at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we're the UK's leading private cardiac care provider, supporting nearly 80,000 patients between 2021 and 2023. If you've been advised to have cardiac resynchronisation therapy, we'll confirm your appointment within 24 hours so treatment can begin quickly.
You'll be in expert hands every step of the way. Our leading cardiologists work alongside a dedicated team of doctors, specialist nurses, physiologists and radiographers. With advanced technology and comfortable surroundings, we'll make sure you receive the highest standard of care.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a treatment for certain patients with heart failure who have severely impaired heart pump function and left bundle branch block (LBBB). It is also a treatment for certain patients with severely impaired heart pump function who require a pacemaker to treat slow heart rhythm conditions.
If you have heart failure and LBBB, the heart's contraction becomes dyssynchronous (beats in an uncoordinated way) resulting in reduced efficiency of contractility. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy aims to improve the pumping efficiency of your heart by resynchronising the electrical activation of the ventricles.
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy is delivered by a pacemaker or defibrillator device (implanted under the skin, near the shoulder/collarbone) via three leads that are placed within the heart.
The device is connected to multiple leads, the leads are delivered to the heart through the veins passing from the arms to the heart and are placed in different chambers/areas of the heart. By pacing the heart from multiple points, CRT reverses the electrical desynchrony from LBBB, thereby improving the efficiency of the contraction of the heart.
Some patients will get a cardiac resynchronisation therapy device that can work as not only a pacemaker but also as a defibrillator. Your specialist may recommend this treatment if you are at high risk of having dangerous heart rhythm disturbances arising from the ventricles (the pumping chambers of the heart).
If you have heart failure and LBBB, the heart's contraction becomes dyssynchronous (beats in an uncoordinated way) resulting in reduced efficiency of contractility. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy aims to improve the pumping efficiency of your heart by resynchronising the electrical activation of the ventricles.
Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy is delivered by a pacemaker or defibrillator device (implanted under the skin, near the shoulder/collarbone) via three leads that are placed within the heart.
The device is connected to multiple leads, the leads are delivered to the heart through the veins passing from the arms to the heart and are placed in different chambers/areas of the heart. By pacing the heart from multiple points, CRT reverses the electrical desynchrony from LBBB, thereby improving the efficiency of the contraction of the heart.
Some patients will get a cardiac resynchronisation therapy device that can work as not only a pacemaker but also as a defibrillator. Your specialist may recommend this treatment if you are at high risk of having dangerous heart rhythm disturbances arising from the ventricles (the pumping chambers of the heart).
Having a CRT implantation device is a straightforward and routine procedure. It's usually carried out under local anaesthetic and sedation, so although you'll be awake, you'll feel relaxed and drowsy throughout.
Your consultant will make a small incision on your chest underneath near your collarbone by your (usually left) shoulder. They'll pass the thin leads through the upper arm/shoulder veins to your heart. These are placed in different chambers and areas within the heart. The wires are then connected to the CRT device, and the incision is closed using absorbable stitches.
The CRT implantation procedure usually takes two to three hours. In some cases, people stay in hospital overnight so the healthcare team can check that the CRT pacemaker is working before you go home.
A CRT device helps your heart pump more efficiently and effectively, thereby increasing the blood ejected from the heart with each beat. This can improve many symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue, tiredness and exertional breathlessness. It also increases your exercise capacity and supports your ability to stay active, which can help improve your overall health and quality of life.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy is classed as minimally invasive and is not considered especially risky. But, as with all procedures, there are some risks involved, which your consultant will explain to you before your treatment. These may include:
- Infection at the site of incision
- Bleeding or bruising
- Air leak from a punctured lung
- Displacement of the leads
- Issues with the device not working as it should be
- Rarely, additional problems with the heart
300
Pacemakers fitted as part of 700 cardiac surgeries
48
hours to receive test results
2
locations available for CRT treatment
Appointments available in as little as 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
Wide-ranging cardiac expertise across the UK
The cardiac resynchronisation therapy process
What to expect
If you're experiencing heart failure symptoms, we provide rapid access to diagnostic tests. We'll confirm an appointment with a cardiac specialist within 24 hours.
01
Initial consultation
The first step is always an initial consultation so your cardiologist can better understand your symptoms and medical history and answer any questions you may have. Following your consultation, your specialist will recommend a personalised diagnosis plan.
02
Tests and scans
At HCA UK, you'll have rapid access to tests and scans so you can get an accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible. These may include blood tests, exercise ECG, MRI scan, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram and x-ray.
03
Treatment
In some cases, your specialist may recommend a radiofrequency ablation procedure to help with your heart failure before proceeding to cardiac resynchronisation therapy. It's a non-surgical treatment that can be used to control cardiac conditions when medications are ineffective.
04
Follow-up appointment
Following your cardiac resynchronisation therapy, your consultant will arrange a follow-up appointment to assess your progress. They'll also be able to answer any questions you have about recovery and advise on any lifestyle changes that may help.
locations
Where can I access cardiac resynchronisation treatment?
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Cardiac resynchronisation FAQs
Your consultant will let you know how best to prepare for your procedure. You might be asked to do the following:
- Avoid eating or drinking anything for a few hours before the procedure
- Stop taking blood thinning medication for a few days before CRT treatment
- Arrange to be collected from the hospital afterwards, as you won't be able to drive
Immediately after the procedure, you'll be taken to the recovery room, where your healthcare team will monitor you. Most people are able to go home the same day after having CRT devices implanted. However, in some cases, you may have to stay overnight so your healthcare team can check that your device is working correctly.
You will experience minor discomfort at the incision site and chest for a few days after the procedure, but this is usually easily controlled with over-the-counter painkillers such as Paracetamol.
You will also experience bruising at the incision site and upper chest, beneath your breast and inner arm, which can take a few weeks to fully resolve (as with any bruise). You should also rest at home for a few days after the procedure to allow time for the area to heal.
To minimise the risk of displacing the leads, avoid lifting the arm (on the side the device has been implanted) above the shoulder for two weeks. Your consultant will let you know when you can resume your usual activities.
You might find that you're now able to exercise for longer but take the advice of your healthcare professional on any exercise or exertion. They'll also give you advice on any medication you may need to take to manage your condition, as well as information about your CRT device.
You'll be given a device ID card to carry with you, which should be shown to any medical professionals or security personnel in the event of system interference, for example, at airport security.
You will experience minor discomfort at the incision site and chest for a few days after the procedure, but this is usually easily controlled with over-the-counter painkillers such as Paracetamol.
You will also experience bruising at the incision site and upper chest, beneath your breast and inner arm, which can take a few weeks to fully resolve (as with any bruise). You should also rest at home for a few days after the procedure to allow time for the area to heal.
To minimise the risk of displacing the leads, avoid lifting the arm (on the side the device has been implanted) above the shoulder for two weeks. Your consultant will let you know when you can resume your usual activities.
You might find that you're now able to exercise for longer but take the advice of your healthcare professional on any exercise or exertion. They'll also give you advice on any medication you may need to take to manage your condition, as well as information about your CRT device.
You'll be given a device ID card to carry with you, which should be shown to any medical professionals or security personnel in the event of system interference, for example, at airport security.
Roughly two-thirds of people see an improvement in symptoms and a better quality of life following cardiac resynchronisation therapy. The exact response will depend on the individual, and we'll always recommend the most effective treatment for your specific condition.
Depending on your condition, other treatments might also be recommended. These may include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medicines to control your heart rate
- Blood thinners to prevent blood clots
- Electrical cardioversion
- Catheter ablation
- Cardiac surgery
- Ventricular assist devices
- Cardiac rehab
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
The cost of your CRT will depend on the specifics of your treatment and whether you need to remain in hospital afterwards. You can pay for your CRT treatment in various ways, including through your private medical insurance and self-pay.
You'll receive a quote before you begin any treatment, so there'll be no hidden costs at the end.
Discover more about paying for your treatment.
Our patient stories
Kirti's heart rhythm story
How a life-changing cardiac procedure stopped Kirti worrying about her heart health. Kirti first felt a heart palpitation back in 2016 whilst out shopping. After delaying seeking specialist advice, she sought the expertise of Dr Mike Koa-Wing, Consultant Cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital, in 2020 after the palpations got worse. Here Kirti shares her story.
Treating Helaina's heart rhythm disorder
Helaina from Northamptonshire was just 16 when she began experiencing unusual symptoms, including shortness of breath and heart palpitations, which rapidly worsened. She was otherwise fit, healthy and a huge lover of the great outdoors, leading to her family to grow concerned.
How a valve replacement helped Steve breathe easy again
When Steve found out his breathlessness was caused by a narrowed aortic valve, he was terrified of the thought of the open-heart surgery that might be needed to treat it. But with the expertise of Professor Sagar Doshi at The Harborne Hospital, he learned he could have a ‘keyhole’ alternative called TAVI.
“Extremely professional, friendly, caring, supportive and knowledgeable. I feel very safe in Dr Behar's care.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.