Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Atrial Fibrillation: Current Therapies
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, 930 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401, USA.
Abstract:
A rate control, or a rhythm control, strategy can be applied to the management of atrial fibrillation. Rate control of atrial fibrillation consists of decreasing the ventricular response rate by limiting the number of supraventricular impulses that can travel through the atrioventricular node. The goal of decreasing heart rate in dogs with atrial fibrillation is usually achieved with a combination of the calcium channel blocker diltiazem and digoxin. Rhythm control of atrial fibrillation encompasses pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods to terminate the arrhythmia and restore sinus rhythm. Transthoracic synchronized electrical cardioversion is commonly used to stop atrial fibrillation.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

