Bi-ventricular pacing in congestive cardiac failure. Current experience and future directions. The Imperial College Cardiac Electrophysiology Group.

Despite many recent advances in the medical management of congestive cardiac failure, specifically with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and betablockade, the prognosis and quality of life of patients with heart failure remains poor. Recent reports have suggested that intervention with biventricular pacing may help a subgroup of patients with heart failure. The intention of this review article was to summarize and comment upon the current evidence supporting the use of biventricular pacing for medically refractory congestive cardiac failure. We have also outlined future clinical and research directions for this new, but as yet unproven, therapeutic approach.