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Internal cardioversion: a worthwhile alternative after failed external cardioversion in obese patients
Serge De Ridder1, Roland Stroobandt, Marnix Goethals
1Department of Cardiology, AZ Damiaan, Oostende and UZ Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. sergederidder@hotmail.com
Acta Cardiologica
|June 29, 2002
Summary
External cardioversion is effective for atrial fibrillation, but high impedance can cause failure. Internal cardioversion offers a safe alternative for patients resistant to external methods, as demonstrated in an obese patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Transthoracic external cardioversion is a common treatment for atrial fibrillation.
- High transthoracic impedance can impede successful cardioversion.
Observation:
- Internal cardioversion is an alternative for patients unresponsive to external cardioversion.
- This technique requires mild sedation and is used in electrophysiology centers.
Findings:
- External cardioversion failed in an extremely obese woman.
- She successfully underwent low-energy internal cardioversion.
Implications:
- Internal cardioversion is a viable option for patients with high transthoracic impedance or obesity.
- Recurrence rates for atrial fibrillation appear similar for both internal and external cardioversion methods.