Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation by Direct Current Counter Shock

Randomised comparison of electrode positions for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation

“…This association between duration of atrial fibrillation and success has been reported previously by other investigators 416 17 20 21 …”

Direct current conversion of atrial fibrillation.

“…The incidence of prolonged P-R interval was significantly higher among the converted patients (p < 0-001). The adverse effect of digitalis toxicity on the success of conversion has previously been reported (Pantridge and Halmos, 1965). There is, however, another important indication for avoiding over-digitalization.…”

“…The results of conversion in some of these patients have already been reported (Pantridge and Halmos, 1965). …”

“…Received February 18, 1965. * Purce Fellow, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, 1964-65. 302 The methods of conversion and of ansesthesia have already been described (Pantridge and Halmos, 1965).…”

Direct current shock therapy of cardiac arrhythmias.

“…Shortly after, Oram et al (1963) published their experience of this treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation. Further studies have followed, all testifying to the efficacy of electrical conversion of ectopic tachycardias to sinus rhythm (Bouvrain et al, 1963;Effert and Grosse-Brockhoff, 1963;Jouve et al, 1963;Killip, 1963;Lown et al, 1963;Reitman and DeArmas, 1963;Brown, Whitehead, and Morrow, 1964;Kuhn, 1964;Lown, 1964;Lown, Kleiger, and Wolff, 1964;Mathivat et al, 1964;McDonald, Resnekov, and O'Brien, 1964;Morris et al, 1964;Oram and Davies, 1964; Pantridge and Halmos, 1965). In the present paper we report on the immediate and late results we have obtained by this form of treatment in 170 patients.…”