The role of the implantable atrial cardioverter-defibrillator.
Atrial and dual-chamber defibrillators with atrial antitachycardia functions represent an emerging option for the treatment of patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation. Atrial cardioversion has been demonstrated to be highly effective in treating spontaneous tachyarrhythmias and may reduce atrial fibrillation burden by preventing atrial remodeling. Device implantation has been associated with an improved quality of life and a reduced hospitalization rate. Patient selection and tailored device programming are critical as regards clinical outcome. The individual psychological profile analysis as well as the underlying heart disease and clinical patterns of atrial fibrillation represent the main drivers for the right strategy. Controlled studies are needed in order to define the subset of patients who can benefit more from device implantation.
Santini
Massimo
M
Department of Cardiology, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy. m.santini@rmnet.it
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D016896:Treatment Outcome