Transesophageal electrical cardioversion of persistent XXXX : a new approach for an old technology.

@entity1 @entity4615 @entity955
BACKGROUND: Low @entity4615 may be considered the elective, alternative method for the acute restoration of sinus rhythm when direct current cardioversion fails or is contraindicated. Transesophageal cardioversion is a further alternative method for the recovery of sinus rhythm and obviates the potential complications of the low @entity4615 venous approach. METHODS: The present prospective study including 30 @entity1 (21 males, 9 females, mean age 65.1 years, range 52-76 years), with persistent @entity955 (mean duration 4.3 months), was undertaken in order to further evaluate, with regard to transesophageal cardioversion: 1) the acute efficacy, 2) the @entity1 acceptance of the procedure, 3) the preferable choice among direct current cardioversion, low @entity4615 and transesophageal cardioversion, 4) the time required to perform the procedure, 5) the incidence of complications, and 6) the persistence of sinus rhythm after 1 month. RESULTS: Sinus rhythm was acutely restored in 29 @entity1 (96.7%). Discomfort induced by the electrical shock was minimal or mild in most @entity1 (75.8%). Transesophageal cardioversion was usually preferred by @entity1 who had been previously submitted to direct current cardioversion or low @entity4615 . The mean total time required to perform the procedure was 107.9 min. No complications related to the procedure occurred. In spite of adequate pharmacological prophylaxis of @entity955 only 41.4% of @entity1 were in sinus rhythm 1 month after successful transesophageal cardioversion. CONCLUSIONS: Transesophageal cardioversion may be considered a very effective, well accepted and non-time consuming procedure for the short-term restoration of sinus rhythm. The incidence of complications is low.
