Automatic antitachycardia pacing

Abstract

The majority of supraventricular dysrhythmias in children are due to reentrant mechanisms. These tachyarrhythmias are often terminated by atrial overdrive pacing with either transesophageal or transvenous pacing catheters. In specific clinical situations permanent antitachycardia pacing devices can be used. These devices automatically recognize atrial tachycardia that has met specific preset criteria and then attempt to terminate it by delivering preset termination sequences. The devices are not always successful and sometimes concomitant antiarrhythmic drug therapy is required.