Intracardiac Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation

Cardioversion (CV) is the most effective therapeutic approach for reversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rythm (SR). In addition to its being performed transthoracically, it may be performed via the intracardiac route. In this study we present the results of intracardiac cardioversion (ICC) in 29 patients. Mean age of the study group was 60±2 years and the mean AF duration was 36.9±7.2 months. We used Hewlett-Packard 43120A extemal defibrillator as the energy source for the first 15 patients, by means of a technique w e developed. For the remainder I 4, Yentak ECD cardioverter defibrillator was used. Reversion to SR was achieved in 72% of patients. Comparison of the success (n=2 I) and failure groups in regard to AF duration, left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction revealed no statistical difference. Left atrial dimensions were significanıly higher in the failure group (pKeywords: Atrial fibrillation, intracardiac cardioversion