Advances in the Treatment of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias: Pacing, Cardioversion, and Defibrillation

Thus, electrical therapies are playing an increasingly important role in the overall management of atrial fibrillation and tachyarrhythmias, often in combination with antiarrhythmic drugs and sometimes with other strategies. New dual-chamber ICDs can safely and effectively differentiate atrial from ventricular tachyarrhythmias and treat atrial tachyarrhythmias without compromising detection and treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Technological advances in standard electrical cardioversion including the use of prior pharmacotherapy have facilitated the success of the procedure and maintenance of sinus rhythm. This is the first book devoted solely to the rapidly expanding options to treat atrial tachyarrhythmias electrically.

Electrical devices offer the promise of prevention and control of atrial tachyarrhythmias, with significant improvements in all health care professionals dealing with atrial fibrillation and other atrial tachyarrhythmias.