Clinical Resources

September 1, 2002—The focus of these guidelines is the appropriate use of devices (pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators), not the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

 This document has been retired and replaced by ACC/AHA/HRS 2008 Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities and subsequently by 2012 ACCF/AHA/HRS Focused Update of the 2008 Guidelines for Device-Based Therapy of Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities.

June 1, 2002—Based on the Consensus Conference held during the 21st Annual Scientific Sessions of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE), this consensus statement covers issues of specific cardiac arrhythmias in children with or without congenital heart disease (CHD), the special needs of children and patients with CHD, and how best to meet these needs.

 This document has been retired and replaced by 2016 PACES/HRS Expert Consensus Statement on the Use of Catheter Ablation in Children and Patients with Congenital Heart Disease.

February 1, 2002—This statement provides the revised NBG code, endorsed by the British Pacing and Electrophysiology Group (BPEG) and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE). This statement is more compatible with contemporary and emerging pacing technology with particular attention to the issue of multisite pacing.

 This document was reaffirmed on March 15, 2023 and will be formally assessed again in 2028.

December 1, 2001—This position paper outlines the basic science, clinical components, and procedural aspects of electrophysiology and provides relevant references that can be used as an educational guide.

 This document has been retired and replaced by HRS Policy Statement: Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Curriculum: Update 2011. See also 2017 ACC/HRS Lifelong Learning Statement for Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialists.

October 1, 2001—Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained rhythm disturbance. AF is often associated with structural heart disease, but a substantial proportion of patients with AF have no detectable heart disease. Hemodynamic impairment and thromboembolic events related to AF result in significant morbidity, mortality, and cost. The goal of this document is to provide guidance for better management of this frequent and complex arrhythmia. The document was approved by the governing bodies of the ACC, AHA, and ESC and officially endorsed by NASPE.

 This document has been retired. See 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and 2019 AHA/ACC/HRS Focused Update.

March 1, 2001—The Ad Hoc NASPE/Industry Task Force developed this 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 for patients with implanted cardiac rhythm devices.

 This document has been retired and replaced by 2008 Heart Rhythm Society Policy Statement Update: Recommendations on the Role of Industry-Employed Allied Professionals (IEAPs). 

June 26, 2000—These guidelines present an approach to the use of amiodarone in clinical practice.

 This document has been retired and replaced by A Practical Guide for Clinicians Who Treat Patients with Amiodarone: 2007.

September 1, 1996—Patients with arrhythmias may experience complete or partial loss of consciousness, and questions about activities that are safe for them arise every day.

 See 2007 Addendum to "Personal and Public Safety Issues Related to Arrhythmias That May Affect Consciousness: Implications for Regulation and Physician Recommendations. A Medical/Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology."