title: Current clinical perspectives on implantable devices for atrial defibrillation.
abstract: The role of devices that deliver shock therapy for atrial fibrillation is still debated. Following technical improvements in catheter-based atrial defibrillation, implantable devices have become available either in the form of stand-alone atrial defibrillators or in the form of dual defibrillators. Although preliminary results do not support their use as a single, unique treatment for atrial fibrillation patients, in combination with drugs, pacing or other treatments such as ablation, atrial defibrillators should help appropriately selected groups of patients.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cardiology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. cardio1@almadns.unbo.it
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Boriani
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Biffi
authors.forename: Cristian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Martignani
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Luceri
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bartolini
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Branzi
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection