Critical & Chronic Care
Device Management for Heart Failure
CRT and other implantable devices that support a weakened heart.
When the heart muscle has weakened to the point where medication alone isn't enough, certain implantable devices can meaningfully improve how the heart pumps and how a patient feels day to day. We assess whether a patient with heart failure is a candidate for CRT or a combined device, implant it, and provide the ongoing monitoring needed to keep heart failure from progressing further. Our team also works closely with patients on the medication side of heart failure management, since devices and drug therapy are usually most effective together rather than as a substitute for one another. Regular follow-up visits track how well the heart is responding, adjust device settings where needed, and catch early warning signs before symptoms worsen.
How it works
An ECHO and clinical assessment confirm whether a device could help your specific type of heart failure.
If suitable, a CRT or combined device is implanted using the same minimally invasive approach as a pacemaker.
The device is programmed to resynchronize the heart's pumping pattern.
Follow-up visits monitor how the heart responds and fine-tune device settings over time.
Frequently asked questions
Are these devices a replacement for heart failure medication?+
No — devices like CRT work alongside medication, not instead of it. Most patients continue their prescribed heart failure medication after device implantation.
How do I know if I'm a candidate for a heart failure device?+
Candidacy is determined by an ECHO showing how well your heart is pumping, along with a full clinical assessment by our cardiology team.
Will symptoms improve immediately after the device is implanted?+
Improvement is often gradual over weeks as the heart adjusts to the resynchronized pumping pattern, rather than an instant change.
This page is for general information and doesn't replace a medical consultation. Your cardiologist will confirm what's right for your specific case.