Tyumen cardiologists performed more than 200 unique operations

In cases of CHF, heart cavities expand and lose their ability to contract synchronously, heart pumping ability decreases – it stops keeping blood circulation at the necessary level. Even a little exercise is very difficult for patients. They are concerned about shortness of breath, palpitations, swelling and medical treatment for them is not effective any more. A few years ago, people who had such diagnosis were considered hopeless and they could be saved only by heart transplant, the most complicated and not available for region population operation.

Today cardiologists have an opportunity to help this group of patients and return them to a normal life. Tyumen Cardiology Research Center surgeons use a method which is called “cardiac resynchronization therapy” for CHF treatment. The method is about implantation of a special multi-function device with electrodes – cardiac pacemaker, which controls cardiac function and helps its chambers contract synchronously. Grigoriy Kolunin, MD, PhD, Head of Department of X-ray and Surgery Methods of Diagnostics and Treatment №2, told, “The first electric cardiac pacemaker for resynchronization therapy was implanted in Tyumen in 2003. In Russia this technology was registered 2 months later than abroad. Due to our experience and on-going international cooperation we were the first in Russia who started to implement this technology. The next day after implantation of a cardiac pacemaker our patients feel much better. So we can confidently say that we can prolong and improve a quality of people’s life, and some patients even can return to their work. Nowadays, we perfectly performed over 200 surgeries - this is a very good result for a Russian clinic.”

Cardiologist chooses a particular pacemaker for each patient, taking into account state and features of disease. For example, surgeons implant an electric pacemaker with cardioverter–defibrillator functions for patients who have life-threatening arrhythmias. The device detects an arrhythmia, which can lead to a sudden cardiac arrest, and using an electric discharge it restores a normal rhythm. In certain patients the device may get activated several times.

Almost every day in this industry there is something new, so we need constantly "keep abreast" to be aware of innovations. In this case, Tyumen Cardiology Research Center is a good example: we have an opportunity to participate regularly in major scientific conferences and congresses where authoritative experts are involved in. We also present our own projects and studies to colleagues and share practical experience.” – said Grigoriy Kolunin.

Devices implantation for resynchronization therapy refers to expensive and high-tech treatment methods. In the Cardiology Center all operations are finessed by federal and regional budgets (free for patients).