Clinical Resources

September 14, 2005—A report of the ACC/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Update the 2001 Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Heart Failure), this document is intended to assist health care providers in clinical decision making by describing a range of generally acceptable approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of heart failure.

 This document has been retired. See 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure. 

September 3, 2005—The Heart Rhythm Society 2004 Clinical Competency Statement: Training Pathways for Implantation of Cardioverter Defibrillators and Cardiac Resynchronization Devices provides the minimum competency standards for physicians implanting cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy devices. It is important to realize that even extensive experience with pacemaker implantation combined with most current device company-sponsored abbreviated ICD implantation courses does not constitute sufficient training to implant ICDs or provide adequate patient follow-up and that only those physicians with documented appropriate training should be credentialed to implant ICDs. This addendum incorporates suggestions and comments submitted to the Society during the 30-day open comment period. 

January 1, 2005—This publication covers mechanisms and consequences of mechanical and electrical remodeling in heart failure (HF); controlled trials of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) alone or combined with implantable cardioverter defibrillator; and expanded indications for electrical heart failure devices.

 This document has been retired because it is no longer current.

October 27, 2004—The report, written by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Perioperative Management of Patients with Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices, was 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.

 This document has been retired. See 2011 HRS/ASA Expert Consensus Statement on the Perioperative Management of Patients with Implantable Defibrillators, Pacemakers, and Arrhythmia Monitors: Facilities and Patient Management. 

September 14, 2004—Developed by the Task Force for the Diagnosis and Management of Syncope of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), this document provides specific recommendations on the diagnostic evaluation and management of syncope.

 This document has been retired and replaced by 2009 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Syncope. See also 2017 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Patients with Syncope.

September 1, 2004—If physicians other than electrophysiologists are to engage in ICD and CRT device implantation, there is a need to develop a clinical competency statement relating to these modalities to help guide the training of such individuals. With this in mind, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Board of Trustees commissioned a task force that included HRS members, representatives from the Heart Failure Society of America, and industry. The purpose of the task force was to develop a training pathway for ICD implantation for prophylactic indications and CRT for cardiologists who are already experienced in pacemaker implantation.

See 2005 Addendum to the Clinical Competency Statement: Training Pathways for Implantation of Cardioverter Defibrillators and Cardiac Resynchronization Devices. 

July 1, 2003—This statement provides additional information regarding maintenance of skills related to device implantation, more detailed training guidelines for CIED implantation and lead extraction, and initial guidelines for implantation of cardiac resynchronization devices that require additional leads to be placed at alternative pacing sites.

 This document has been retired because it is no longer current.

April 1, 2003—This consensus statement provides a simple way to characterize an episode of atrial fibrillation. It is the result of 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, now known as the Heart Rhythm Society.

March 1, 2003—This policy statement provides updates about the rationale and indications for catheter ablative procedures and recommendations regarding electrophysiology laboratory personnel and facilities.

 This document has been retired. See 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Management of Adult Patients With Supraventricular Tachycardia; 2017 HRS/EHRA/ECAS/APHRS/SOLAECE Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation; and 2019 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/LAHRS Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias. 

January 1, 2003—The provision of services accompanying technology-based electrophysiological-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 North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE), known today as the Heart Rhythm Society, developed these standards to articulate the scientific foundation, clinical skills, and technical knowledge requisite to provide and facilitate safe quality patient care.

 This document was reaffirmed on February 7, 2018, and will be formally assessed by February 2023.