Bridging the gap between heart failure and the device clinic

INTRODUCTION: While cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a mainstay in the management of selected patients with chronic systolic dysfunction, many patients are noted to experience less than expected or no benefit at all from the therapy. Multidisciplinary care has been shown to provide benefit in follow up for patients receiving CRT devices. Areas covered: This review will focus on the apparent reasons behind less than optimal outcomes following CRT as well as multidisciplinary approaches to treating patients with CRT devices. The literature review focused mainly on the data behind multidisciplinary care of CRT patients. Expert commentary: A multidisciplinary approach incorporating input from various cardiology backgrounds is an important strategy in ensuring optimal outcomes in patients receiving CRT devices. Breaking down the 'silo' effect amongst cardiac subspecialties is vital in achieving high level multidisciplinary care.