Safety and Effectiveness of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy With Defibrillation

VENTAK CHF/CONTAK CD Biventricular Pacing Study

The purpose of this study was to determine if cardiac resynchronization therapy when combined with defibrillation is safe and effective in the treatment of symptomatic heart failure.

Patients enrolled received a device with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and defibrillation. Patients were randomized to CRT on or off for up to six months and evaluated for mortality, hospitalization, and functional outcomes including exercise capacity, quality of life, symptomatic status, and echocardiographic analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Symptomatic heart failure
• Left ventricular ejection fraction <= 35%
• QRS width >= 120 ms
• Indicated for an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Exclusion Criteria:

• Indicated for a pacemaker
• Atrial tachyarrhythmias