Future of device therapy for arrhythmias

During the last three decades, implantable devices have been developed that are able to treat complex arrhythmias on an individualized basis, with emphasis on rapid restoration of normal cardiac rhythm or creation of the best physiologic alternative. Currently, new areas for device therapy include atrial fibrillation, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (with or without heart failure), and out-of-hospital sudden death. To improve resuscitation from circulatory arrest, the development and widespread use of dependable devices continuously registering cardiac rhythm and able to localize the victim are needed to shorten the time interval to successful defibrillation.