Left atrial function is unchanged by implantable defibrillator shocks on hearts in sinus rhythm.
Sixteen patients in sinus rhythm at baseline undergoing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation were monitored with transesophageal echocardiography both before and after direct current cardioversion with currents of 15 to 20 J, for any direct current induced atrial dysfunction. We found no change in the indexes of atrial function or appearance of spontaneous echo contrast in the immediate postshock period by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.
Perera
R
R
Division of Cardiology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10025, USA.
Steinberg
J S
JS
Ehlert
F
F
Mogtader
A
A
Hillel
Z
Z
D016279:Atrial Function, Left; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D004554:Electric Countershock / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male