Recent developments in nanoparticle-based treatment for atrial fibrillation and other human cardiac arrhythmias

Abstract

This review aims to summarize the current landscape of cardiac arrhythmia therapeutics and highlight recent advances in nanoparticle-based strategies for the treatment of various human cardiac arrhythmias. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to curate and synthesize recent preclinical developments in nanoparticle-mediated therapies targeting cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac arrhythmias represent one of the most prevalent and challenging forms of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Conventional treatments, including antiarrhythmic drugs, are often limited by suboptimal efficacy, high recurrence rates, and significant off-target toxicities. While catheter-based ablation techniques have emerged as alternative interventions, their long-term success remains inconsistent, as highlighted by outcomes from large trials such as the CABANA trial. In response to these limitations, nanoparticle-based interventions have emerged as a promising class of therapeutics. These strategies offer potential advantages, including site-specific drug delivery, reduced systemic toxicity, and novel approaches to both pharmacologic and ablative therapy. This review presents an overview of the emerging nanoparticle-based strategies for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias. It also discusses recent proof-of-concept studies, evaluates the benefits and limitations of various nanoparticle formulations, and outlines key challenges and future directions for translating these technologies into clinical practice.

Keywords

Nanoparticle / cardiac arrhythmia / atrial fibrillation / therapy

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