The first intervention in Italy for re-synchronization with lead was performed at the Federico II Polyclinic
Thanks to a lead having a diameter four times smaller than the classic ones, the implantation of a new cardiac resynchronization system (CRT) was successfully carried out at the Cardiology, Hemodynamics Unit of the Federico II University Polyclinic of Naples. .
The surgery, the first in Italy, was performed by Antonio Rapacciuolo at the UOC electrophysiology and cardiostimulation laboratory directed by Giovanni Esposito. Cardiac resynchronization therapy takes place through the implantation in the subclavicular region of a subcutaneous device capable of stimulating through leads the heart chambers by resynchronizing the ventricles and increasing the systolic function. In short, it is a therapy that improves the prognosis and symptoms of patients suffering from heart failure and dyssynchrony, which is an altered contraction between the right and left ventricles of the heart.
“The therapy – explains Esposito – is delivered through leads placed in specific areas of the heart to obtain a synchronized contraction of the heart chambers with improvement of the pump function. The response depends exclusively on reaching adequate areas of the left ventricle to stimulate ”.
The benefits for cardiology patients
It is in fact precisely because positioning thelead, necessary to stimulate an adequate area of the left ventricle, it is not simple, that 30-40% of patients do not respond to resynchronization therapy. This happens because each patient has a different autonomy. “Until now – Rapacciuolo explains – the classic catheters did not allow us to practice an individualized therapy”.
Recently, however, it was developed by Microport a lead with a diameter four times smaller than traditional catheters. “To carry out this implant – continues Rapacciuolo – a different technique from the conventional one is required, with navigation of the branches of the coronary sinus even of small caliber and high tortuosity. Have a lead available that can reach any part of the left ventricle it allows us to stimulate a higher percentage of patients more effectively ”.