Internal transcatheter cardioversion restored sinus rhythm in 100% (10/10) of patients with refractory chronic lone atrial fibrillation, with 8 maintaining sinus rhythm at 12 to 22 months follow-up.
Observational (n=10)
Does internal transcatheter cardioversion improve restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with chronic lone atrial fibrillation resistant to external and pharmacological cardioversion?
Internal transcatheter cardioversion is an effective and safe method to restore and maintain sinus rhythm in patients with refractory chronic lone atrial fibrillation.
The effectiveness and safety of internal transcatheter cardioversion on chronic lone atrial fibrillation were examined in ten patients resistant to external electrical (400 joules) and pharmacological cardioversion. Transcatheter cardioversion was performed by pulling back the atrioventricular junction catheter just inferior to the site of the His-bundle recording and delivering the shock between a proximal electrode (cathode) and backplate (anode). Transcatheter cardioversion restored sinus rhythm in all of the ten patients. The only complication observed was transient atrioventricular block after the shock and this was treated by temporary pacing. However, atrial fibrillation recurred in five patients at 30, 27, 52, 1, and 6 days, respectively. A second attempt at transcatheter cardioversion was performed in those patients an was successful in three patients. During a follow-up period ranging from 12 to 22 months, eight patients continued in sinus rhythm. Thus, transcatheter cardioversion is considered effective and safe in selected patients with chronic lone atrial fibrillation in whom external cardioversion was unsuccessful.
Kumagai et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in Chronic lone atrial fibrillation (n=10). Internal transcatheter cardioversion was evaluated on Restoration of sinus rhythm. Internal transcatheter cardioversion restored sinus rhythm in 100% (10/10) of patients with refractory chronic lone atrial fibrillation, with 8 maintaining sinus rhythm at 12 to 22 months follow-up.