The Spectrum of Treatment for Left Ventricular Dysfunction

There are many potential options for treating left ventricular dysfunction, from medical to device therapies. Dr. Howard Eisen, Thomas J. Vischer Professor of Medicine and chief of the division of cardiology at Drexel University College of Medicine and Hahnemann University Hospital, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, outlines the roles of bypass surgery, percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiac resynchronization, surgical ventricular reconstruction and pharmacologic therapies for treating this condition. Specifically, he describes results of the recent Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure, or STITCH, trial, and also tells us about the various ventricular-assist device options currently available. Dr. Alfred Bove hosts.