In the treatment of atrial fibrillation, what does ibutilide (Corvert) primarily do?

Ibutilide (Corvert) is classified as an antiarrhythmic medication that is primarily used for the pharmacological cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Its main action is to restore normal sinus rhythm by modifying the electrical activity of the heart. Ibutilide works by prolonging the action potential duration, which helps to stabilize the atrial rhythm and facilitate the conversion of atrial fibrillation into sinus rhythm.

While rate control and anticoagulation are important components of managing atrial fibrillation, ibutilide does not perform these functions. Rate control medications aim to manage the heart rate without necessarily converting it to a normal rhythm, and anticoagulants are used to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events but do not affect the rhythm itself. Ventricular pacing involves the use of electrical stimulation to control heart rate and rhythm from the ventricles, which is not the role of ibutilide. Thus, the primary role of ibutilide is indeed to facilitate cardioversion, making it the correct choice.