conducted atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation with atrioventricular conduction that may be sensed by a pacemaker's ventricular lead.
Full Definition
Conducted atrial fibrillation refers to episodes of atrial fibrillation where the irregular atrial impulses are transmitted through the atrioventricular node to activate the ventricles. In patients with cardiac devices, this presents unique challenges because the irregular ventricular response to atrial fibrillation may be sensed by the pacemaker or ICD, potentially affecting device function. The ventricular rate during conducted atrial fibrillation is typically irregular and may vary widely depending on AV nodal conduction properties and medication effects. Device algorithms must be sophisticated enough to distinguish between conducted AF with rapid ventricular response and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, as the therapeutic responses are dramatically different. Modern devices include specific detection enhancements and discriminators to improve accuracy in this challenging scenario.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from non-conducted AF or ventricular arrhythmias in device documentation.
In Context
- "The ICD appropriately withheld therapy during conducted atrial fibrillation with rates up to 180 bpm." — Device interrogation report
- "Conducted atrial fibrillation episodes were successfully discriminated from VT using morphology analysis." — Arrhythmia detection log