Synergistic effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy and Bachmann’s bundle pacing on heart failure with atrial tachyarrhythmias

Abstract

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is electrical resynchronization of the ventricles. Bachmann’s bundle (BB) pacing is considered to be electrical resynchronization of the atria. Atrial fibrillation (AF) and congestive heart failure (HF) often coexist in the same patient. A 69 year-old man who underwent CRT combined with BB pacing for HF and atrial tachycardias or atrial fibrillation (AF) improved HF symptoms. The combined therapy reduced the number of admissions and occurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias. It is possible that CRT combined with BB pacing could provide synergistic, beneficial effects on symptoms in patients with HF and AF and hence break a vicious circle.