Long-term follow-up of direct current cardioversion after cardiac surgery with special reference to quinidine1
AUTOR(ES)
Gunning, J. F.
RESUMO
The results of the long-term follow-up of 119 patients who had DC cardioversion performed are described. All patients had had corrective cardiac surgery for chronic rheumatic valvar heart disease. The poor prognosis for maintenance of sinus rhythm in this type of patient is emphasized. Of the total patients, 83 per cent were converted to sinus rhythm, but relapses were common in those who had atrial fibrillation before operation. Only 40 per cent of such patients maintained sinus rhythm for 2 months, 15 per cent for 1 year, and 9 per cent for 2 years.
