Management of atrial arrhythmias secondary to severe congenital heart disease with the atrioverter

An atrial defibrillator was implanted in a patient with congenitally correc ted transposition of the great arteries, associated cardiac abnormalities, and persistent atrial arrhythmias. During a 15-month follow-up, 14 of 20 sp ontaneous episodes of his arrhythmias were successfully treated with the de vice. Two of these episodes were converted to sinus rhythm during ambulator y use of the device. Successful use of the device required implantation of a third defibrillation lead in the persistent left-sided superior caval vei n and rigid control of congestive heart failure. An atrial defibrillator ma y be a valid treatment option in patients with congenital heart disease cri ppled by atrial fibrillation.