Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation in horses
By Frye, Melinda A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2002·Department of Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Use of biphasic electrical cardioversion for treatment of idiopathic atrial fibrillation in two horses.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, two horses with a heart condition called idiopathic atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat without a known cause) were treated using a method called biphasic electrical cardioversion. This technique successfully restored a normal heart rhythm in one of the horses. Factors like how long the horses had the arrhythmia, where the equipment was placed, and their electrolyte levels were considered important for the success of the treatment. After the procedure, tests showed that there was no damage to the heart muscle in either horse. Overall, biphasic electrical cardioversion appears to be a promising alternative to medication for treating this heart condition in horses.
Abstract
Rectilinear biphasic cardioversion was used in 2 horses with idiopathic sustained atrial fibrillation; 1 horse converted to sustained sinus rhythm. Variables that potentially affected outcome of the electrical cardioversion procedures in these horses included duration of arrhythmia, placement of cardioverter pads and paddles, serum electrolyte concentrations, and treatment with quinidine. Serum cardiac troponin I concentration, measured to determine whether the myocardium was damaged from the electrical shocks, was within the reference range in both horses after the procedure. Biphasic electrical cardioversion may provide an alternative to pharmacologic cardioversion with quinidine in horses. The rectilinear biphasic defibrillator-cardioverter uses a unique biphasic waveform to deliver constant current to the myocardium during cardioversion, regardless of transthoracic impedance. Biphasic cardioversion is safer and more effective than traditional monophasic cardioversion in humans and animals.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12420784/