Nurse-led Management of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Implanted Cardiac Devices

Abstract

This report describes the management of atrial fibrillation (AFib) events diagnosed through cardiac implantedelectronic devices in an advanced nurse practitioner-led clinic. AFib events necessitating medical evaluationwere managed with a standardized decision tree and recorded for 1 year. Among 1980 follow-up assessments, 6% experienced AFib events (n ¼ 119), mostly because of de novo AFib (58%), rapid ventricular rate (22%), and symptomatic AFib (20%). Only 11% were referred to the emergency department, and 83% were assessed by the general practitioner in the same month. Advanced nurse practitioners offer prompt AFib event management in patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices, supported by a structured care pathway ensuring timely medical assessment and treatment.