Atrial fibrillation trials: will they teach us what we need to know?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has captured the imagination of clinical investigators who have initiated trials to examine several aspects of this multifaceted arrhythmia. We will review the protocol designs of ongoing trials that are examining the relative value of rhythm versus rate control, new methods for pharmacologic restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm (including prophylaxis after cardiac surgery), and nonpharmacologic interventions such as pacing and atrial defibrillation. We antic ipate that the results of these studies will have a major impact on the care of patients with AF in the new millennium.