Using a Defibrillator to Treat Atrial Fibrillation
Author Information
Author(s): Korantzopoulos Panagiotis, Grekas George, Pappas Thomas, Goudevenos John A
Primary Institution: Department of Cardiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can programmed internal cardioversion using an ICD effectively treat persistent atrial fibrillation in patients with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy?
Conclusion
Programmed ventricular ICD discharge under mild sedation is a quick, effective, and safe method for cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a dual chamber ICD implanted for secondary prevention due to ventricular tachycardia.
- After cardioversion, the patient was discharged 6 hours later in good clinical condition.
- The patient's left ventricular ejection fraction improved from 0.20 to 0.28 after treatment.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special heart device to help a patient with a heart problem get back to a normal heartbeat without causing pain.
Methodology
The patient was anticoagulated and then cardioverted using a programmed ventricular biphasic shock from his ICD under mild sedation.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 73-year-old Caucasian man with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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