PMID: 15253143Jul 16, 2004Paper

Transthoracic cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation: comparison of three different waveforms

Italian heart journal. Supplement : official journal of the Italian Federation of Cardiology
Maurizio SantomauroMassimo Chiariello

Abstract

Transthoracic electrical cardioversion represents the most effective therapy in converting atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm. External cardioverter-defibrillators discharge a current with monophasic and most recently biphasic waveforms. Lately, many articles support the superiority of the biphasic waveform over the monophasic one. Moreover, we have the opportunity to use different biphasic waveforms. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy (success rate and energy delivered) of a monophasic wave and two different biphasic waves, in patients with persistent AF undergoing external electrical cardioversion. The monophasic wave was delivered by a Zoll M series NM PDMA-9, while the so-called "rectilinear" biphasic waveform was used by a Zoll M series PDM-7S and the biphasic truncated exponential wave by a Laerdal Heartstart 4000. Sixty-four patients with clinical indications to undergo external electrical cardioversion were randomized into three groups. All the groups were homogeneous for almost all characteristics, particularly atrial dimensions, body surface area, and duration of AF and therapy. Eighteen patients underwent external cardioversion with monophasic waveform (group 1), 22 patients were treated with rec...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Atrial Filbrillation

Atrial fibrillation refers to the abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria. Here is the latest research.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly due to stroke and thromboembolism. Here is the latest research.

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmias are abnormalities in heart rhythms, which can be either too fast or too slow. They can result from abnormalities of the initiation of an impulse or impulse conduction or a combination of both. Here is the latest research on arrhythmias.