Internal electroshock in the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation resistant to external cardioversion. Initial results apropos of 21 patients
Chauvin, M.; Koenig, A.; Brechenmacher, C.
Annales de Cardiologie et d'Angeiologie 40(1): 47-50
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-3928 PMID: 2024910 Document Number: 378792
The authors report their experience involving 21 right endoatrial electroversions aimed at converting chronic atrial fibrillation resistant to external electroversion. All prior precautions were taken to ensure that the shocks were not in contact with an atrial wall nor over the node-His bundle (two dimensional radiological identification, endocavitary recordings). A total of 37 internal electric shocks were administered. Results were: 16 immediate successes out of 21 (72.2 per cent) and 12 short term successes out of 21 (57 per cent). The mean effective energy value was 200 Joules. There were no traumatic complications. The authors conclude that this technique is effective and reliable in the management of atrial fibrillation resistant to external electroversion.