Success of Device-Based Methods for Atrial Tachyarrhythmia Induction during Implantation of an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator with Atrial Therapy

In addition to standard ventricular therapy, cardioversion using an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) with atrial therapy is one of the many new options available for treating atrial tachyarrhythmias. New data suggest that shock efficacy for AF depends on identifying atrial defibrillation thresholds (DFT) and programming the first atrial shock to at least two times the atrial DFT [1]. Therefore, to ensure the highest degree of atrial therapy effectiveness, atrial induction testing should be conducted during the initial implantation procedure. In order to successfully induce atrial tachyarrhytmias during implantation or followup, the ICD should have several methods of atrial tachyarrhythmia induction. Atrial arrhythmias contribute to patient morbidity and mortality by impairing cardiac function, increasing the risk of thromboembolic events, and inducing ventricular arrhythmia [2-4]. Medications for atrial tachy-