Low energy intracardiac cardioversion after failed conventional external cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of intracardiac cardioversion in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation after unsuccessful external cardioversion.


BACKGROUND
Previous studies in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing intracardiac cardioversion have suggested that intracardiac cardioversion is highly effective and safe. However, the characteristics of patients who benefit most from this invasive technique are unknown.


METHODS
We prospectively studied 25 consecutive patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (11 +/- 9 months). All patients had undergone at least three attempts at conventional external transthoracic cardioversion by means of paddles in an anteroposterolateral position applying energies up to 360 J without success. Intracardiac shocks were delivered by an external defibrillator through defibrillation electrodes placed in the right atrium and coronary sinus or in the right atrium and left pulmonary artery. After conversion, all patients were treated orally with sotalol (mean 194 +/- 63 mg/day).


RESULTS
Internal cardioversion was successful in 22 of 25 patients at a mean defibrillation threshold of 6.5 +/- 3.0 J. Mean lead impedance was 56.4 +/- 7.4 omega. No severe complications were observed. At a mean follow-up of 15 +/- 12 months, 12 (55%) of the patients treated successfully remained in sinus rhythm.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with failed external cardioversion, internal cardioversion offers a new option for restoring sinus rhythm. Intracardiac cardioversion is an effective and safe method and can be easily performed in patients with minimal sedation.
Schmitt
C
C
1. Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Germany.
Alt
E
E
Plewan
A
A
Ammer
R
R
Leibig
M
M
Karch
M
M
Schömig
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000379:methods*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017211:Treatment Failure