[Anti-arrhythmic therapy with verapamil by intravenous infusion]

Rapid and slow venous infusion of various doses of Verapamil in a mixed series of 185 cases of arrhythmia since 1968 is reported. Results and electrophysiological and ECG changes observed for each type of arrhythmia examined are considered separately: atrial fibrillation-flutter, supraventricular paroxystic tachycardia (atrial and/or junctional), and hyperkinetic ventricular arrhythmia. An association of i.v. Verapamil and a quinidine salt per os is suggested as an alternative to cardioversion in cases of recent atrial fibrillation-flutter. Results obtained in the treatment of arrhythmia due to electrical instability following angina and of angina following arrhythmia are also described. A study of His potentials as the premiss for using Verapamil in subjects with stimulus conductivity changes, including W.P.W. syndrome, is also reported. I.v. Verapamil was used in association with atrial and/or ventricular electrostimulation, and/or with electrical counter-shock in cases of arrhythmia (mostly supraventricular) that were especially refractory. Attention is drawn to the use of Verapamil in the control of arrhythmia after electrical cardioversion.