title: Cardiac resynchronization therapy: history, present status, and future directions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is one of the most exciting recent advancements in heart failure (HF) treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review surveys the available literature regarding the effectiveness of CRT in treating patients with HF.
  
  
  RESULTS
  By targeting ventricular dyssynchrony, CRT attempts to give the failing heart a mechanical advantage that can substantially improve both symptoms and mortality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CRT results in short-term and long-term improvement in cardiac structure and function, often leading to enhanced quality of life and, for some patients, enhanced survival.
authors.affiliation: John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA.
authors.forename: Leeor M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Jaffe
authors.affiliation: John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA ; The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA.
authors.forename: Daniel P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Morin
keywords: Cardiac electrophysiology; cardiac resynchronization therapy; heart failure; myocardial infarction