Clinical Guidelines and Documents

The Heart Rhythm Society offers its guidance through scientific and clinical documents to provide three main components vital to advancements in the field: analysis, discussion of current issues, and suggestions for clinical application. The purpose of Heart Rhythm Society documents is to provide guidance to our membership as well as other entities on issues which are timely and for which guidance is currently lacking or needs to be updated. Click to learn more about our policy (PDF, 165K, approved by the HRS Board of Trustees on September 12, 2009) for development and endorsement of clinical guidance documents from the Society and others.

Those who utilize the Society's Guidelines and Clinical Documents can apply what they have learned to:

The listed documents have either been developed by the Heart Rhythm Society, or have been jointly produced, collaborated with, or endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society. The Society's Scientific and Clinical Documents Committee oversees the development, peer-review and opportunity for collaborating with other similar societies.

Thank you for visiting our Clinical Guidelines page. Please check back regularly — we will post new documents upon their publication.

HRS Policy Statement: Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Curriculum: Update 2011 (August 2011)
Download CCEP Fellowship Policy Statement (PDF, 585K)
Endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society in May 2011; published in the August 2011 edition of HeartRhythm Journal
A fellowship curriculum is important in the training of a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist. A clinical cardiac electrophysiology curriculum was first published in 2001 and was the basis for education in many fellowship programs. Over the last 10 years cardiac electrophysiology has continued to grow, evolve, and mature so that an update is currently needed. This update is focused on what a practicing electrophysiologist will need in the care of patient. It is not meant to be a mandatory education requirement or to supplant American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements.

HRS and EHRS Release Expert Consensus Statement on the State of Genetic Testing for the Channelopathies and Cardiomyopathies (May 5, 2011, updated August 1, 2011)
Download HRS/EHRA Expert Consensus Statement on the State of Genetic Testing for the Channelopathies and Cardiomyopathies (PDF, 400K)
To ensure that physicians have up-to-date knowledge of the evolving role of genetic testing for sudden death predisposing, genetic heart diseases in cardiology, which can be life-saving for some patients, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRS have prepared HRS/EHRA Expert Consensus Statement on the State of Genetic Testing for the Channelopathies and Cardiomyopathies. HRS and EHRA endorsed the document in April of 2011; The American Heart Association endorsed the document in June of 2011. Learn more »

The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)/American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Expert Consensus Statement on the Perioperative Management of Patients with Implantable Defibrillators, Pacemakers and Arrhythmia Monitors: Facilities and Patient Management (May 5, 2011)
Download Expert Consensus Statement on Perioperative Management of CIEDs Patients (PDF, 1.3M)
Developed as a joint project with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA), and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), a diverse panel of experts in pacemaker and defibrillator management focused on medical procedures that might interfere with CIED function. Learn more »

2011 ACCF/AHA/HRS Focused Update on the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (Update on Dabigatran) (February 14, 2011)
(Updating the 2006 Guideline)
Download 2011 Update on Dabigatran re: management of AF patients » (PDF, 476K)
This guideline update states that Dabigatran, recently approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, is an alternative to warfarin to help prevent dangerous blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. Learn more »

2011 ACCF/AHA/HRS Focused Update on the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (December 20, 2010)
(Updating the 2006 Guideline)
A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines
Download 2011 Update on the Management of AF Patients » (PDF, 230K)
This guideline update focuses on several areas in which new data on management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have become available, including: catheter ablation is useful to maintain normal sinus rhythm in AF patients; recommendations for heart rate control; combined use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy; use of dronedarone. Learn more »

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) Prediction and Prevention: Report from a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and Heart Rhythm Society Workshop (December 1, 2010) — This special report outlines the expert consensus, identifies knowledge gaps and makes six specific research recommendations. Learn more »

SCAI/ACCF/HRS/ESC/SOLACI/APSIC Statement on the Use of Live Case Demonstrations at Cardiology Meetings Assessments of the Past and Standards for the Future (September 21, 2010) — This statement is the result of a collaborative effort with interventional cardiologists and electrophysiology members from the Heart Rhythm Society. The document outlines and recommends standards for medical practitioners to use when performing and broadcasting live cardiovascular case demonstrations at medical meetings. Download live case demonstration statement (PDF, 126K). Read the Society's press release, which also includes a companion article written by representatives from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Expert Consensus Statement on Management of CIEDS (May 14, 2010) — The HRS Expert Consensus Statement on the Management of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) in patients nearing end of life or requesting withdrawal of therapy is the first consensus statement (download now, PDF, 196K) on this issue, written in collaboration with representatives from the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Geriatrics Society (AGS), the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM), the American Heart Association (AHA) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA). Learn more »

EHRA/HRS Expert Consensus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias (May 14, 2009)
This Consensus Statement provides a state-of-the-art review on catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT), and reports the findings of a Task Force representing the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) charged with defining the indications, techniques, and outcomes of this procedure. Learn more »

Recommendations from the Heart Rhythm Society Task Force on Lead Performance Policies and Guidelines (May 13, 2009)
The Heart Rhythm Society task force's findings, recommendations, and guidelines with specific recommendations for industry, regulators, physicians, and others is presented in this document. Recognition, accurate analysis, and transparent reporting of lead performance problems are crucial for patient safety and are foundational for informing clinical decisions, for establishing realistic expectations for patients and physicians, and for monitoring and improving product performance. Learn more »

Expert Consensus Statement on Lead Extraction in Patients with Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (May 13, 2009)
This 2009 consensus document on the management of leads in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) was written by a team of international experts in device and lead management from North America and Europe. Central to this effort was a focus on transvenous lead extraction, including standards for training, and standards for the evaluation of new tools and techniques. The document is also an update/ revision of the prior 2000 policy statement on the extraction of implanted pacing and defibrillator leads. Learn more »

ACC/AHA/HRS 2008 Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities Executive Summary (May 15, 2008)
The Guidelines for Implantation of Cardiac Pacemakers and Antiarrhythmia Devices updates the previous version published in 2002. This revision covers major studies on bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias, which may be treated optimally with device therapy; recent changes in the management of heart failure that involve both drug and device therapy; and advances in the technology of devices to treat, delay, and even prevent morbidity and mortality from bradyarrhythmias, tachyarrhythmias, and heart failure. Learn more »

HRS/EHRA Expert Consensus on the Monitoring of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs): Description of Techniques, Indications, Personnel, Frequency and Ethical Considerations (May 14, 2008)
This international document represents expert consensus concerning the Monitoring of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs). The document includes the monitoring of CIEDs with a description of the technology, indications for use, personnel involved in monitoring and the frequency and types of monitoring events. Also covered are issues in regard to data management, regulatory environments, reimbursement and ethical considerations in respect to device inactivation. Learn more »

Inter-Association Task Force Recommendations on Emergency Preparedness and Management of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in High School and College Athletic Programs (March 2007)
This statement was written by an Inter-Association Task Force to assist high school and college athletic programs to prepare and respond to sudden cardiac arrest for this population. The Heart Rhythm Society endorsed this document. Download consensus statement (PDF, 441K)

AHA/HRS Addendum to Personal and Public Safety Issues Related to Arrhythmias that May Affect Consciousness: Implications for Regulation and Physician Recommendations (February 7, 2007)
This addendum to a 1996 advisory addresses driving restrictions in patients who receive an ICD for primary prevention. Learn more »

A Practical Guide for Clinicians Who Treat Patients with Amiodarone (2007)
Amiodarone is commonly used to treat supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias in various inpatient and outpatient settings. Because of adverse drug reactions, proper use is essential to deriving optimal benefits from the drug with the least risk. Download guide (PDF, 116K)

Recommendations from the Heart Rhythm Society Task Force on Device Performance Policies and Guidelines (September 2006)
This report offers the first comprehensive recommendations for the surveillance, analysis and performance reporting of pacemakers and ICDs; changes that will help patients continue to have confidence and trust in these lifesaving treatments. Learn more »

ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death (October 2006)
A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines.
The purpose of this document, developed with and endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society, is to update and combine the previously published recommendations into one source approved by the major cardiology organizations in the United States and Europe. Learn more »

Report on Device Performance from the Independent Panel of Guidant Corporation (2006)
Following the recall event in 2005, Guidant decided to commission an independent panel charged with the responsibility of studying, analyzing, and evaluation the policies and procedure of the CRM business in regard to the post-market device surveillance. This report summarizes the findings and recommendations of the panel. Download report (PDF, 727K)

Proceedings Document from the Policy Conference on Pacemaker and ICD Performance (September 16, 2005)
Conference presented by the Heart Rhythm Society and the Food and Drug Administration. Learn more »

The Relation Between Patients' Outcomes and the Volume of Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation Procedures Performed by Physicians Treating Medicare Beneficiaries (2005)
This is the first study designed to look at the relation between patient outcomes and physicians/hospitals volume cardioverter-defibrillator implantation to determine if implantation should be limited to physicians with high procedural volume. Download report (PDF, 171K)

Expert Consensus Statement: Resynchronization Therapy for Heart Failure (2005)
Publication covers mechanisms and consequences of mechanical and electrical remodeling in HF; controlled trials of CRT alone or combined with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, expanding indications for electrical heart failure devices, and much more. Download consensus statement (PDF, 2.1M)

ACC/AHA/NASPE 2002 Guideline Update for Implantation of Cardiac Pacemakers and Antiarrhythmia Devices (2002)
Summary Article from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (updating 1998 pacemaker guidelines). Download executive summary (PDF, 83K)

Recommendations for Extraction of Chronically Implanted Transvenous Pacing and Defibrillator Leads: Indications, Facilities, Training (April 2000)
Standard definitions and recommendations for the clinical practice of lead extraction were discussed in a Policy Conference held on May 11, 1997 in New Orleans, LA. The conclusions of that conference were supplemented in this summary paper; the purpose is to elucidate the consensus of the Conference in the form of standardizing language and forward-looking recommendations. Download recommendations (PDF, 64K)

Practical Guidelines for Clinicians Who Treat Patients with Amiodarone (2000)
These Guidelines were created as an approach to the use of Amiodarone in clinical practice. They review the indication for use of Amiodarone and method of initiation therapy, suggest strategies for follow-up of patients receiving Amiodarone and outline the adverse effects of the therapy. Download guidelines (PDF, 202K)

NASPE/AHA: Personal and Public Safety Issues Related to Arrhythmias That May Affect Consciousness: Implications for Regulation and Physician Recommendations (1996)
This Statement, which is based on the two conferences held in 1994 and 1995, addresses the issues related to activities in patient with arrhythmias that may result in impaired consciousness. Download policy statement (PDF, 199K)

A Heart Rhythm Society Electrophysiology Workforce Study: Current survey analysis of physician workforce trends (August 31, 2010) — A new study on overall workforce trends in the field of cardiac electrophysiology (EP) reveals an increasing demand for EP professionals as a result of shifting demographic trends, evolving health reform policies and improved procedural outcomes. The study, commissioned in 2009 by the Heart Rhythm Society, provides data from nearly 700 respondents, including EPs, allied professionals and basic scientists currently working within the field of cardiac electrophysiology and found substantial growth in the overall volume and complexity of cardiac procedures performed in the past decade. Learn more »

Heart Rhythm Society Policy Statement Update: Recommendations on the Role of Industry Employed Allied Professionals (IEAPs) (October 2008)
The policy update revised the recommendations from the original statement published under NASPE in 2001. The current recommendations include revisions to criteria on billing and collection; assistance that should or should not be performed; and the proper supervision necessary. Learn more »

HRS/EHRA/ECAS Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Recommendations for Personnel, Policy, Procedures and Follow-Up (May 9, 2007)
Developed in partnership with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) and the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS)
Download full text, (PDF, 1.3M) or the executive summary (PDF, 138K)

ACC/AHA/HRS 2006 Key Data Elements and Definitions for Electrophysiological Studies and Procedures
The electrophysiology field has evolved into one in which therapeutic ventures have displaced diagnosis as the major focus. These guidelines serve as the basis for databases employed in clinical research as well as practice, and providing standard definitions of terms relevant to the care of patients with arrhythmias and implanted rhythm management devices. Download guidelines (PDF, 212K)

American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2006 Update of the Clinical Competence Statement on Invasive Electrophysiology Studies, Catheter Ablation, and Cardioversion (October 2006)
Developed in Collaboration With the Heart Rhythm Society, this competence statement was designed to assist in the assessment of physicians' competence on a procedure-specific basis. The minimum education, training, experience, and cognitive and technical skills necessary for the competent performance of invasive cardiac EPS, catheter ablation, and cardioversion are specified. Learn more »

International Consensus on Nomenclature and Classification of Atrial Fibrillation (2003)
The Consensus Statement, which is a Collaborative Project of the Working Group on Arrhythmias and the Working Group of Cardiac Pacing of the European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, provides a simple way to characterize an episode of Atrial Fibrillation. Download consensus statement (PDF,50K )

NASPE Standards of Professional Practice for the Allied Professional in Pacing and Electrophysiology (2003)
The provision of services accompanying technology-basedelectrophysiological related interventions created an opportunity for health care professionals to specialize in the field of cardiac rhythm management. Known as Allied Professionals (APs), this diverse group of nurses, physician assistants, technologists, technicians, and engineers is dedicated to promoting excellence in the care of patients with cardiac rhythm disorders. The Standards of Professional Practice for the Allied Professional in Pacing and Electrophysiology have been developed to articulate the scientific foundation, clinical skills, and technical knowledge requisite to provide and facilitate the provision of safe quality patient care. Download standards (PDF, 52K)

NASPE Policy Statement on Catheter Ablation: Personnel, Policy, Procedures, and Therapeutic Recommendations (2003)
The Policy Statement provides updates about the rationale and indications for catheter ablative procedures and recommendations regarding EP laboratory personnel and facilities. Download policy statement (PDF, 114K)

NASPE Position Statement: The Revised NASPE/BPEG Generic Code for Antibradycardia, AdaptiveRate, and Multisite Pacing (2002)
This Statement gives the revised NBG code, endorsed by BPEC and NASPE in 2001, which is more compatible with contemporary and emerging pacing technology with particular attention to the issue of multisite pacing. Download position statement (PDF, 105K)

NASPE Expert Consensus Statement: Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in Children With and Without Congenital Heart Disease (2002)
The Consensus Statement, which is based on the Consensus Conference held during the 21st Annual Scientific Sessions of NASPE, is covering the issues of specific cardiac arrhythmias in children with or without CHDC, the special needs of children and patients with CHDC and how best to meet these needs. Download consensus statement (PDF, 223K)

The Role(s) of the Industry Employed Allied Professional (March 2001)
Task force developed policy statement to clarify the role Industry employed allied professionals (IEAPs) should play in the clinical environment, with the objective of maintaining and improving high quality and cost-effective care to patients with implanted cardiac rhythm devices. Download policy statement (PDF, 51K)

NASPE Position Statement: Classification of Atrial Flutter and Regular Atrial Tachycardia According to Electrophysiologic Mechanism and Anatomic Bases (2001)
A Joint Expert Group from the Working Group of Arrhythmias of the European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology wrote this Position Statement which proposes a new classification of the electrophysiologic atrial tachycardias based on EP mechanisms which are defined by mapping and entrainment. Download position statement (PDF, 584K)

HRS Policy Statement: Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Curriculum: Update 2011 (August 2011)
Download CCEP Fellowship Policy Statement (PDF, 585K)
Endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society in May 2011; published in the August 2011 edition of HeartRhythm Journal
A fellowship curriculum is important in the training of a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist. A clinical cardiac electrophysiology curriculum was first published in 2001 and was the basis for education in many fellowship programs. Over the last 10 years cardiac electrophysiology has continued to grow, evolve, and mature so that an update is currently needed.
This update is focused on what a practicing electrophysiologist will need in the care of patient. It is not meant to be a mandatory education requirement or to supplant American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements. See also:

Heart Rhythm Society/Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society Clinical Competency Statement: Training pathways for implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices in pediatric and congenital heart patients (May 14, 2008)
This clinical document details the training for ICD/CRT implants in patients who are either in the pediatric age range (0–18 years of age) with or without congenital heart disease, or adults with congenital heart disease. The health care team involved in the care of these patients should have knowledge and expertise about the implantation indications, implantation techniques, complications, programming and follow-up for these devices, as well as the non-technical issues relevant to children. Learn more »

Task Force 6: Training in Specialized Electrophysiology, Cardiac Pacing, and Arrhythmia Management The following training statement
This document is the result of a close collaboration between the American College of Cardiology (Adult Cardiovascular Medicine Core Cardiology Training [COCATS] Task Force 6) and the Heart Rhythm Society. This Task Force 6 Report is 1 of 13 COCATS 3 Task Force Reports, which encompass training recommendations for the fellowship programs in adult cardiovascular medicine. Download guidelines (PDF, 80K)

The Heart Rhythm Society Requirements for the Alternate Training Pathway for Non-Electrophysiologists to Implant ICD and CRT devices
This Clinical Competency Statement and Addendum along with the additional listed resources were developed to provide training guidance and a list of requirements for non-electrophysiologists who have an interest in ICD and CRT device implantation. Learn more »
Alternate Training Pathway "Sunset" October 2008 — Learn more about the recommended training

ACCF 2006 Update for Training in Adult Cardiovascular Medicine (Focused Update of the 2002 COCATS 2 Training Statement)
This limited update to the 2002 COCATS 2 Task Force 6 was endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society, which was represented by Cynthia Tracy, MD. Download update (PDF, 88K)

NASPE Policy Statement: NASPE Training Requirements for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: Selection, Implantation, and Follow Up (2003)
The original policy statement on training guidelines originated from a conference held in 1992 and was published as a policy statement in 1994. Download policy statement (PDF, 73K)

Practical Rate & Rhythm Management of Atrial Fibrillation, updated January 2010, was adapted from the ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. This quick reference pocket guide is intended to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with AF.

Prevention of Torsade de Pointes in Hospital Settings: A Scientific Statement
From the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology Foundation (endorsed by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the International Society for Computerized Electrocardiology as published in Circulation March 2010). Learn more »

2009 ACCF/AHA Focused Update on Perioperative Beta Blockade
This document is a focused update from the "ACC/AHA 2007 Guidelines on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Care for Noncardiac Surgery. Learn more »

Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of syncope (version 2009)
The Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Syncope of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Developed in collaboration with European Heart Rhythm Association, Heart Failure Association and the Society, this is a revised version of the former 2004 ESC Guidelines on Syncope. Learn more »

Occupational Health Hazards in the Interventional Laboratory: Time for a Safer Environment (February 2009)
This document is a consensus statement by the major American societies of physicians who work in a laboratory environment and reviews available data on the prevalence of occupational health risks and summarizes ongoing epidemiologic studies designed to further elucidate these risks. Learn more »

AHA/ACC/HRS SCIENTIFIC STATEMENT: Recommendations for the Standardization and Interpretation of the Electrocardiogram, Part I and Part II (March 2007)
Part I: The Electrocardiogram and its Technology (PDF, 195K) — This statement examines the relation of the resting ECG to its technology. Its purpose is to foster understanding of how the modern ECG is derived and displayed and to establish standards that will improve the accuracy and usefulness of the ECG in practice.
Part II: Electrocardiography Diagnostic Statement List (PDF, 62K) — This statement provides a concise list of diagnostic terms for ECG interpretation that can be shared by students, teachers, and readers of electrocardiography.

ACC/AHA 2007 Guidelines on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Care for Noncardiac Surgery (2007)
These guidelines are intended for physicians and nonphysician caregivers who are involved in the preoperative, operative, and postoperative care of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. They provide a framework for considering cardiac risk of noncardiac surgery in a variety of patient and surgical situations. Download guidelines (PDF, 876K)

ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for Management of Patients with Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: (2006)
The Guidelines, jointly created by the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology has been endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society Board of Trustees, is giving you an update and combining the previously published recommendations regarding the management of patients with Ventricular arrhythmias into one source. Download full text (PDF, 945K ), Download executive summary (PDF, 688k)

ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the 2001 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation)
These guidelines were developed in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association and the Heart Rhythm Society. Learn more »

ACC/AHA 2006 Guideline Update on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation for Noncardiac Surgery: Focused Update on Perioperative Beta-Blocker Therapy
A Report of the American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Update the 2002 Guidelines on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation for Noncardiac Surgery)
This update was developed in collaboration with the American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology. Download update (PDF, 197K)

ACC/AHA 2005 Guideline Update for the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Heart Failure in the Adult (August 2005)
A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Update the 2001 Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Heart Failure)
This update was developed in collaboration with the American College of Chest Physicians and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. Learn more »

Practice Advisory for the Perioperative Management of Patients with Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices: Pacemakers and Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators (2004)
The Report , written by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force has been endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society in 2004. It provides a synthesis and analysis of expert opinion on the perioperative management of patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). Download advisory report (PDF, 238K)

Guidelines on Management (Diagnosis and Treatment) of Syncope — Update 2004
The Task Force on Syncope, European Society of Cardiology. Download executive summary (PDF, 336K)

ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (2001)
NASPE endorsed ACC/AHA/ESC guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. Download executive summary (PDF, 942K)

National ICD Registry™ Annual Report 2009
Published in September 2010, the National ICD Registry Annual Report 2009 details the ICD Registry’s Version 2.0 which expanded the scope of Registry’s data collection tool. The annual report also highlights the development of performance measures and the feasibility to use registry data to measure performance and patient outcomes. Download Report (PDF, 82K)

National ICD Registry™ Annual Report 2008
Published in Fall 2009, this is a review of the third year of the ICD Registry, including the expansion to include lead data and pediatric ICD procedures, and the role for measuring performance. It also announced the upcoming Version 2.0. Download Report (PDF, 88K)

National ICD Registry™ Annual Report 2007
Review of the Registry's Second Year, Data Collected, and Plans to Add Lead and Pediatric ICD Procedures, published Fall 2008. Download report (PDF, 77K)

National ICD Registry™ Annual Report 2006
Review of the Registry's First Year, Data Collected, and Future Plans, published Fall 2007. Download report (PDF, 61K)