Key result
Elective countershock using an esophageal electrode successfully converted 100% of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm, requiring less than one third the energy of conventional methods.
Why the study?
Does elective direct-current countershock using an esophageal electrode reduce energy requirements and allow cardioversion without anesthesia in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation?
Population
13 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation
Comparison
Elective direct-current countershock using an… vs Conventional anteroposterior chest technique
Design
Case_series
Follow-up
4 months
Authors
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May reduce energy for chronic AF cardioversion; leaves open whether it avoids anesthesia or improves outcomes in trials.
Does elective direct-current countershock using an esophageal electrode reduce energy requirements and allow cardioversion without anesthesia in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation?
Esophageal electrode countershock allows for successful cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation with significantly lower energy requirements, potentially avoiding the need for anesthesia.
McNally et al. (1966) studied chronic atrial fibrillation (n=13). Esophageal electrode countershock vs. Conventional anteroposterior chest countershock was evaluated on Conversion to sinus rhythm. Elective countershock using an esophageal electrode successfully converted 100% of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm, requiring less than one third the energy of conventional methods.
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