A Hybrid Procedure Combining Mini-Thoracotomy with Interventional Endocardial Lead Implantation for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure: A Report of Four Cases.

Background: We describe the application and effectiveness of transthoracic electrode implantation for epicardial left ventricular pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for patients with chronic congestive heart failure.

Methods: We assessed four patients with chronic congestive heart failure for whom implantation of endocardial electrodes was contraindicated. The epicardial electrodes were implanted via a mini-thoracotomy in the fourth or fifth left intercostal space.