INTRAATRIAL DEFIBRILLATION FOR ATRIAL-FIBRILLATION - ANIMAL DATA

Intra-Atrial Defibrillation for AF, Animal research in the area of atr ial defibrillation has helped to bring about a greater understanding o f the mechanisms and influencing factors of atrial defibrillation, Inc reased clinical interest in atrial tachyarrhythmias during the 1980s l ed to more intensive animal research in this area, in which concepts o f intra-atrial cardioversion was only first described in 1974, Initial ly, the concept of one intracardiac catheter in conjunction with a sub cutaneous electrode was evaluated. Further studies involved alternativ e waveforms, shock durations, electrode materials, and lead configurat ions to improve the percentage of successful cardioversions while redu cing energy requirements. The results from ventricular defibrillation, in which the need for a homogenous field through the majority of fibr illating mass had been established, were applied to research for atria l defibrillation as well, An intracardiac vector with electrodes insid e the heart was determined to be most efficient. Results concerning th e feasibility, efficacy, and safety have been confirmed by clinical da ta. Further animal studies will help to evaluate new concepts for redu cing energy requirements, such as new electrode materials and advanced shock timing. The clinical benefits of basic research in internal car dioversion of atrial fibrillation justifies additional animal research studies.