Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

16:40
A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Implantable atrial defibrillator for atrial fibrillation
1Electrophysiology Laboratories of St. Luke's and Sinai Samaritan Medical Centers, USA.
WMJ : Official Publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin
|December 18, 1998
Summary
Implantable atrial defibrillators offer a new treatment for atrial fibrillation when other methods fail. This technology successfully maintained sinus rhythm in a patient with symptomatic atrial fibrillation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia with significant morbidity.
- Current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for atrial fibrillation have limitations in efficacy for many patients.
Observation:
- Low-energy transvenous atrial defibrillation, delivered via catheters in the right atrium and coronary sinus, has demonstrated effectiveness in restoring sinus rhythm.
- The study observed the application of this defibrillation technology in an implantable device format.
Findings:
- The successful implantation and use of an atrial defibrillator are reported in a patient experiencing symptomatic atrial fibrillation.
- The implanted atrial defibrillator effectively maintained the patient in sinus rhythm.
Implications:
- Implantable atrial defibrillators represent a promising therapeutic option for managing drug-refractory atrial fibrillation.
- This technology may improve quality of life and reduce complications associated with persistent atrial fibrillation.
Related Concept Videos
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...

