Intracardiac electrical discharge in terminating atrial fibrillation

A new intracavitary technique for internal defibrillation in atrial fibrillation is presented. The discharge takes place between the distal electrodes of the catheter placed in the right atrium and a thoracic paddle. Four cases are discussed, and the indications for this type of defibrillation are considered. Internal defibrillation can be done when, for other purposes, an electrode catheter is already placed in the right atrium.