Internal cardioversion in two patients with atrial fibrillation refractory to external cardioversion

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 1996 May;19(5):872-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1996.tb03374.x.

Abstract

A 26-year-old man underwent an electrophysiological study for evaluation of a history of congenital heart disease, presyncope, and wide complex tachycardia. During the study the patient developed sustained atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. A 17-year-old man with a history of sick sinus syndrome developed sustained atrial fibrillation. Both patients failed four attempts at external cardioversion with a maximum delivered energy of 360 J. Low energy cardioversion was successful in both patients using biphasic waveforms and internal transvenous defibrillation electrodes. Internal cardioversion using a transvenous electrode system can be successful in patients with atrial fibrillation refractory to external cardioversion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Atrial Fibrillation / therapy*
  • Defibrillators, Implantable*
  • Electric Countershock*
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sick Sinus Syndrome / complications
  • Syncope / complications
  • Tachycardia / complications