Efficacy, Safety and Usage of "Antitachycardia Pacing" Algorithms

Indications of implantable cardioverter defıbri llator (ICD) implantation, which have been shown to be effective in prevention of sudden death res ul ring form ve ntric ul ar tachyarrh ythmia, were progressively widened especially during the last decade. Most of the avail able ICDs possess "antitachycardia pacing" properties. ATP comprises some algorithms that prevent degeneration of ventricular tachycardia into ventricular fibrillation, and need to defibrillation. As a consequence, ATP therapy, which has been proved to be effective and safe in most patients, provides a better qual ity of life by decreasing the need for shock therapy aside that it sav es battery energy. In this article, usage of ATP, safety and efficacy of different ATP algorithms is reviewed.