Quantitative test of the resynchronization hypothesis for CRT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Quantitative test of the resynchronization hypothesis with development of tools for haemodynamic optimization and response quantification
IRAS ID
144624
Contact name
Darrel Francis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Research summary
Health and survival in heart failure has been revolutionised over the last ten years by the introduction of a new type of pacemaker: Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). These pacemakers make patients with heart failure live longer and feel better.
(1) Surprisingly, we still do not know exactly how these devices improve heart function. Most specialists think that CRT works by 'resynchronising' parts of the heart i.e. making them contract simultaneously. This may not be correct and in this research we will conduct high-precision measurements testing the mechanisms behind CRT.
(2) Correctly fine-tuning the settings of CRT devices is very difficult. In this research we will develop methods for any clinician at any centre world-wide, wishing to improve a patients with heart failure, to be able to optimize the device settings using a cohesive, accurate and non-invasive approach.
(3) Currently, we have no reliable way of measuring how effective CRT has been in a patient. This prevents research that could improve the technology. Our research will develop a reliable method for doctors to measure effectiveness of CRT.REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0831
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion