Multisite or alternate site pacing for the prevention of atrial fibrillation

The role of permanent pacing in preventing atrial fibrillation in patients at risk for this arrhythmia is a relatively new concept. Existing retrospective studies support the superiority of atrial-based pacing over ventricular stimulation with respect to lowering the incidence of atrial fibrillation. Constant rate overdrive pacing has been shown to reverse abnormalities in conduction or refractoriness that are dependent on bradycardia and suppress atrial ectopic complexes. Multisite (biatrial and dual right atrial) pacing is a promising concept. The antiarrhythmic mechanism is not well understood, but atrial resynchronization and reduction of site-dependent conduction delay of atrial premature complexes may be relevant. The cardiology community awaits additional data from prospective trials that are currently underway.