Pacing therapies for atrial fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs frequently in the pacemaker population particularly in those with sinus node dysfunction as the primary indication for cardiac pacing (1-3). Clinical trials have demonstrated that atrial pacing prevents paroxysmal and persistent AF in the general pacemaker population and the greatest benefit is observed in patients with sinus node disease (1-4). Many dual chamber pacemakers now have specific algorithms designed to suppress AF (4,5). In addition, there has been considerable interest in selective atrial pacing sites and prevention of AF (4,5). © 2008 Springer-Verlag US.