Detection of atrial activity from high voltage leads of implantable ventricular defibrillators

In this study, the authors examined the atrial activity content of high voltage (HV) lead signals of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) during device implantation. They also attempted to detect atrial fibrillation (AFib) by analyzing these signals. They used a method that canceled ventricular and correlated atrial activity from the HV lead signals and measured frequency and amplitude distribution information to discriminate sinus rhythm and AFib segments. The results suggest that atrial activity is present in HV lead signals, and AFib detection can be achieved in many, but not all cases, using information currently available to ICDs.