Atrioverter: an implantable device for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
BACKGROUND
During atrial fibrillation, electrophysiological changes occur in atrial tissue that favor the maintenance of the arrhythmia and facilitate recurrence after conversion to sinus rhythm. An implantable defibrillator connected to right atrial and coronary sinus defibrillation leads allows prompt restoration of sinus rhythm by a low-energy shock. The safety and efficacy of this system, called the Atrioverter, were evaluated in a prospective, multicenter study.


RESULTS
The study included 51 patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation who had not responded to antiarrhythmic drugs, were in New York Heart Association Heart failure class I or II, and were at low risk for ventricular arrhythmias. The atrial defibrillation threshold had to be </=240 V during preimplant testing. Atrial fibrillation detection, R-wave shock synchronization, and defibrillation threshold were tested at implantation and during follow-up. Shock termination of spontaneous episodes of atrial fibrillation was performed under physician observation. Results are given after a minimum of 3 months of follow-up. During a follow-up of 72 to 613 days (mean, 259+/-138 days), 96% of 227 spontaneous episodes of atrial fibrillation in 41 patients were successfully converted to sinus rhythm by the Atrioverter. In 27% of episodes, several shocks were required because of early recurrence of atrial fibrillation. Shocks did not induce ventricular arrhythmias. Most patients received antiarrhythmic medication during follow-up. In 4 patients, the Atrioverter was removed: in 1 because of infection, in 1 because of cardiac tamponade, and in 1 because of frequent episodes of atrial fibrillation requiring His bundle ablation.


CONCLUSIONS
With the Atrioverter, prompt and safe restoration of sinus rhythm is possible in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation.
Wellens
H J
HJ
Academic Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Lau
C P
CP
Lüderitz
B
B
Akhtar
M
M
Waldo
A L
AL
Camm
A J
AJ
Timmermans
C
C
Tse
H F
HF
Jung
W
W
Jordaens
L
L
Ayers
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001146:Arrhythmia, Sinus / Q000628:therapy*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology