Implantable drug delivery system to control arrhythmia

The feasibility of automatic drug delivery in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia has been studied. In its clinical implementation this system consists of a computerized bedside rhythm monitor connected to an intravenous pump. It has been demonstrated in animals and in patients that therapeutic drug levels in the blood are rapidly established. An implantable version of such a system has been developed and tested in the experimental laboratory. Atrial fibrillation in the dog is recognized, and a pharmacokinetically based infusion is automatically delivered. Conversion to normal sinus rhythm occurs within minutes.<
>