Pacemaker Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

There are a number of applications for pacemaker therapy in the management of Atrial Fibrillation (AF). The most frequent indication for pacing in AF is to prevent bradycardia in patients with rapid ventricular response and sinus node dysfunction. For elderly patients or patients with significant medical comorbidities who have highly symptomatic, drug-refractory AF, pacemaker implantation and atrioventricular (AV) junction ablation can be an effective alternative therapy. Pacing may also decrease symptoms during atrial fibrillation by regularizing the ventricular rate. Other pacing strategies attempt to decrease AF recurrence, but these algorithms have demonstrated only limited success. Although pacing is generally not considered primary therapy for AF, it may play an important adjunctive role in the management of patients with AF.

Cyber-Attacks on Medical Implants: A Case Study of Cardiac Pacemaker Vulnerability

“…Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) can may result in stroke, heart failure and other complications related to the heart. Pacemaker therapy in atrial fibrillation is also very effective [3]. Pacemaker implants are placed under the skin near left or right collarbone through surgical procedure.…”

“…Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers are examples of IMDs used to control the heart rhythms by sending electrical impulses to heart for synchronization [3]. External devices connected remotely to access the data from ICDs where patient need not to come to the hospital and physicians are kept informed about the functioning of pacemaker implants.…”