Related Experiment Videos
[Internal cardioversion in chronic atrial fibrillation]
Celso Mendoza González1, Pedro Iturralde Torres, Milton E Guevara Valdivia
1Departamento de Electrofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez INCICH, Juan Badiano No. 1, Col. Sección XVI, Tlalpan, 14080 México, D. F.
Archivos De Cardiologia De Mexico
|August 1, 2002
Summary
Internal cardioversion offers an effective treatment for chronic atrial fibrillation. This minimally invasive procedure uses low energy and light sedation to restore normal heart rhythm, providing a viable alternative for patients experiencing relapse.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Internal cardioversion (IC) is an emerging treatment modality for AF.
- Atrial defibrillators are being developed for IC procedures.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old patient with 10-month chronic AF and no structural heart disease was treated.
- Initial external cardioversion with antiarrhythmic drugs failed due to relapse within a week.
- Internal cardioversion was performed using a coronary sinus electrocatheter (DAIG) via right jugular vein access.
Findings:
- The procedure involved light sedation with propofol (2 mg/kg).
- Three low-energy shocks (1, 3, and 5 joules) successfully converted the patient to sinus rhythm.
- No complications were observed during or after the internal cardioversion.
Implications:
- Internal cardioversion demonstrates efficacy in treating chronic atrial fibrillation.
- The technique utilizes light sedation and minimal energy levels.
- This approach offers a safe and effective method for rhythm restoration in AF patients.