Donate Help Contact The AHA Sign In Home
American Heart Association
Circulation
Search: search_blue_button Advanced Search
Circulation. 2000;101:1282-1287

This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Mittal, S.
Right arrow Articles by Lerman, B. B.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Mittal, S.
Right arrow Articles by Lerman, B. B.
Right arrowPubmed/NCBI databases
Medline Plus Health Information
*Atrial Fibrillation
Related Collections
Right arrow Ablation/ICD/surgery

(Circulation. 2000;101:1282.)
© 2000 American Heart Association, Inc.


Clinical Investigation and Reports

Transthoracic Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation

Comparison of Rectilinear Biphasic Versus Damped Sine Wave Monophasic Shocks

Suneet Mittal, MD; Shervin Ayati, MSEE; Kenneth M. Stein, MD; David Schwartzman, MD; Doris Cavlovich, RN, BSN; Patrick J. Tchou, MD; Steven M. Markowitz, MD; David J. Slotwiner, MD; Marc A. Scheiner, MD; Bruce B. Lerman, MD

From The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY (S.M., K.M.S., S.M.M., D.J.S., M.A.S., B.B.L.); Zoll Medical Corporation, Burlington, Mass (S.A.); University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa (D.S., D.C.); and Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio (P.J.T.).

Correspondence to Bruce B. Lerman, MD, Division of Cardiology, The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, 525 East 68th Street, Starr 4, New York, NY 10021. E-mail blerman{at}mail.med.cornell.edu


*    Abstract
up arrowTop
*Abstract
down arrowIntroduction
down arrowMethods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix
down arrowReferences
 
Background—Clinical studies have shown that biphasic shocks are more effective than monophasic shocks for ventricular defibrillation. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a rectilinear biphasic waveform with a standard damped sine wave monophasic waveform for the transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results—In this prospective, randomized, multicenter trial, patients undergoing transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation were randomized to receive either damped sine wave monophasic or rectilinear biphasic shocks. Patients randomized to the monophasic protocol (n=77) received sequential shocks of 100, 200, 300, and 360 J. Patients randomized to the biphasic protocol (n=88) received sequential shocks of 70, 120, 150, and 170 J. First-shock efficacy with the 70-J biphasic waveform (60 of 88 patients, 68%) was significantly greater than that with the 100-J monophasic waveform (16 of 77 patients, 21%, P<0.0001), and it was achieved with 50% less delivered current (11±1 versus 22±4 A, P<0.0001). Similarly, the cumulative efficacy with the biphasic waveform (83 of 88 patients, 94%) was significantly greater than that with the monophasic waveform (61 of 77 patients, 79%; P=0.005). The following 3 variables were independently associated with successful cardioversion: use of a biphasic waveform (relative risk, 4.2; 95% confidence intervals, 1.3 to 13.9; P=0.02), transthoracic impedance (relative risk, 0.64 per 10-{Omega} increase in impedance; 95% confidence intervals, 0.46 to 0.90; P=0.005), and duration of atrial fibrillation (relative risk, 0.97 per 30 days of atrial fibrillation; 95% confidence intervals, 0.96 to 0.99; P=0.02).

Conclusions—For transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, rectilinear biphasic shocks have greater efficacy (and require less energy) than damped sine wave monophasic shocks.


Key Words: cardioversion • atrial fibrillation • shock


*    Introduction
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
*Introduction
down arrowMethods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix
down arrowReferences
 
Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly encountered sustained clinical arrhythmia.1 Since its introduction 3 decades ago, transthoracic electrical cardioversion has remained the most effective method for terminating atrial fibrillation.2 However, currently available defibrillators use a damped sine wave monophasic waveform, which may be effective in <80% of patients.3 4 5 6

Multiple studies have shown that biphasic waveforms have greater efficacy than monophasic waveforms for endocardial defibrillation.7 8 9 10 11 12 More recent studies of transthoracic ventricular defibrillation have also shown that, compared with monophasic shocks, biphasic shocks are equally effective and use less delivered energy,13 14 which may result in less post-shock myocardial dysfunction.13 15 16 17 To determine whether a biphasic waveform provides increased efficacy with less energy during the transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, we prospectively compared the efficacy of a standard damped sine wave monophasic waveform with a rectilinear biphasic waveform in patients undergoing transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.


*    Methods
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
*Methods
down arrowResults
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix
down arrowReferences
 
Study Population
This study was a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial that compared the efficacy of a rectilinear biphasic waveform with a damped sine wave monophasic waveform for the transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. During the study period (between August 1998 and February 1999), 174 patients were enrolled from 7 centers. Patients were eligible for the study if they were undergoing electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation for >=48 hours were anticoagulated with warfarin for >=3 weeks and achieved an international normalized ratio >=2.0. Patients who had not been anticoagulated for >=3 weeks underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram while receiving therapeutic heparin (or warfarin) immediately before the cardioversion that documented the absence of a left atrial thrombus.18 All patients were then required to be anticoagulated for 3 to 4 weeks after cardioversion. In addition, all patients were required to have had an echocardiogram within 3 months of the cardioversion for assessment of the left atrial size and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction. Patients were ineligible if they were <18 years of age, were pregnant, or were undergoing cardioversion of an atrial arrhythmia other than atrial fibrillation. The Institutional Review Board at each participating institution approved the investigational protocol, and informed written consent was obtained from all patients.

Study Design
The primary hypothesis of the study was that rectilinear biphasic shocks would have a greater cardioversion efficacy than monophasic shocks. Assuming an 80% cumulative efficacy with the damped sine wave monophasic waveform, 154 patients were required to detect a >15% difference in efficacy between the monophasic and biphasic waveforms and to have a power of 80% and a significance level of 0.05.

Shock Waveforms
Figure 1Down depicts a representative 100-J damped sine wave monophasic waveform and a 70-J rectilinear (constant-current first phase) biphasic waveform delivered across a 50-{Omega} load. The monophasic waveforms were generated by a Zoll PD-2000 defibrillator, which delivered the stored charge on a 45-µF capacitor through a 20-MHz inductor and an internal resistance of 14 {Omega}. Biphasic waveforms were generated from a 100-µF capacitor using the Zoll PD-2100 defibrillator. The rectilinear biphasic waveform consisted of a constant-current 6-ms first phase, followed by a truncated, exponential 4-ms second phase. The time between the trailing edge of the first phase and the leading edge of the second phase was 100 µs. For a selected energy, a constant-current first phase was produced by automatically adjusting the internal resistance of the defibrillator circuit on the basis of the patient’s transthoracic impedance, which was automatically determined at the onset of shock delivery.



View larger version (11K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 1. Defibrillation waveforms. Top, Representative 100-J damped sine wave shock delivered across 50-{Omega} load. Bottom, Representative 70-J rectilinear biphasic waveform delivered across 50-{Omega} load.

The defibrillator’s internal switching resistors, along with impedance compensation, provided a constant first-phase current as well as the step ripple. The amplitude of the first and second phases varied with the selected energy. The initial amplitude of the second phase was approximately equal to the final amplitude of the first phase. When 170 J was selected for the biphasic waveform and the measured patient impedance was >=85 {Omega}, the first phase of the biphasic waveform tilted. However, all other waveform parameters, including phase duration, interphase delay, and integrated impedance measurement-sensing pulse, were unchanged. The effect of transthoracic impedance on delivered current for the monophasic and biphasic waveforms is outlined in Table 1Down.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 1. Peak Current (A) Delivered by the 2 Waveforms at an Impedance of 50 to 125 {Omega}.

Shock Electrodes
Wet polymer gel pads19 (Zoll Cardiology Specialty Pad) for transthoracic cardioversion were applied to the right parasternal area and to the left scapula posteriorly.20 The anterior electrode was circular and had a diameter of 10 cm, which corresponded to an active surface area of 78 cm2. The posterior electrode was rectangular and had a diagonal length of 14.5 cm, which corresponded to an active surface area of 113 cm2. The pads were connected to a multiple-defibrillation interface unit, which in turn was connected to the monophasic and biphasic defibrillators. This setup was used to ensure that both defibrillators delivered a shock into the same pad and same location. Furthermore, the interface unit transferred the voltage and current delivered to the patient to a laptop personal computer for data collection purposes.

Protocol for Cardioversion
Patients were randomized at each center, using a simple block-randomization scheme, to either the monophasic or biphasic waveform protocol. Patients randomized to the monophasic protocol received sequential shocks of 100, 200, 300, and 360 J, if necessary. If the 360-J shock failed to cardiovert the patient, a final 170-J biphasic shock was delivered. Patients randomized to the biphasic protocol received sequential shocks of 70, 120, 150, and 170 J, if necessary. If the 170-J shock failed to cardiovert the patient, a final 360-J monophasic shock was delivered. Successful cardioversion was defined as the conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm for >=30 s after the shock.

Statistical Analysis
All continuous variables are expressed as mean±SD. Comparisons of dichotomous and continuous variables between the monophasic and biphasic waveform groups were calculated using the {chi}2 and Student’s t tests, respectively. The first-shock efficacy of the 70-J biphasic and 100-J monophasic shocks and the cumulative efficacy of biphasic and monophasic shocks were compared using Fisher’s exact test. To determine the variables independently associated with successful cardioversion, multivariate forward stepwise logistic regression was performed using the following clinical variables: patient weight, duration of atrial fibrillation, left atrial size, LV ejection fraction, transthoracic impedance, and shock waveform used. We calculated 95% confidence intervals for each relative risk. For all comparisons, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.


*    Results
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
*Results
down arrowDiscussion
down arrowAppendix
down arrowReferences
 
Patient Characteristics
Cardioversion was performed in 174 patients. Nine patients were excluded from analysis. Reasons for exclusion included (1) failure of the investigator to follow the prespecified step-up shock protocol (n=7), (2) pretreatment with ibutilide (n=1), and (3) inability to access cardioversion shock data due to a computer malfunction (n=1). The remaining 165 patients constituted the study population.

The population was 66±12 years of age (range, 30 to 92 years), had a mean weight of 91±23 kg (range, 46 to 168 kg), and was predominantly male (70%). The size of the left atrium was 4.7±0.9 cm (range, 2.7 to 9.7 cm), and the LV ejection fraction was 50±14% (range, 15% to 75%). Structural heart disease (including hypertension) was present in 69% of patients. Of the 165 patients who underwent cardioversion, 88 (53%) were randomized to the biphasic group and 77 (47%) to the monophasic group. The 2 groups were similar with respect to age, sex, weight, left atrial size, LV ejection fraction, underlying cardiac disease, New York Heart Association class, duration of atrial fibrillation, and use of cardioactive drugs, including antiarrhythmic medications (Table 2Down).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 2. Patient Characteristics and Clinical Demographics

Cardioversion Data
The first-shock cardioversion data for the 2 groups are summarized in Table 3Down. First-shock efficacy with the 70-J rectilinear biphasic waveform (60 of 88 patients, 68%) was significantly greater than that with the 100-J damped sine wave monophasic waveform (16 of 77 patients, 21%; P<0.0001) (Figure 2Down). In addition, increased efficacy with the 70-J biphasic shocks was achieved with 50% less delivered current (11±1 versus 22±4 A, P<0.0001). No significant difference existed in the transthoracic impedance between the biphasic (76±17 {Omega}) and monophasic (78±16 {Omega}, P=NS) waveform groups.


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 3. First-Shock Cardioversion Data for Monophasic and Biphasic Waveform Groups



View larger version (43K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 2. Cumulative cardioversion efficacy of monophasic and biphasic shocks.

The cumulative cardioversion efficacy of the 100, 200, 300, and 360 J monophasic shocks was 21%, 44%, 68%, and 79%, respectively. In contrast, the cumulative cardioversion efficacy of the 70, 120, 150, and 170 J biphasic shocks was 68%, 85%, 91%, and 94%, respectively. The cumulative efficacy with the rectilinear biphasic waveform (83 of 88 patients, 94%) was significantly greater than that with the damped sine wave monophasic waveform (61 of 77 patients, 79%; P=0.005) (Figure 2Up). Of note, the mean peak current delivered to patients with the 100-J monophasic shocks was equal to that delivered with 170-J rectilinear biphasic shocks (Table 1Up). Furthermore, 170-J biphasic shocks delivered {approx}50% less current than 360-J monophasic shocks.

Sixteen patients in the monophasic group could not be cardioverted with a maximal monophasic shock of 360 J. Eight of these patients (50%) were successfully cardioverted with a 170-J biphasic shock. Five patients in the biphasic group could not be cardioverted with a maximal biphasic shock of 170 J. These patients received a 360-J monophasic shock, which was also unsuccessful in each patient. There were no complications associated with either the monophasic or biphasic shocks.

The cumulative cardioversion efficacy was significantly affected by the patient’s baseline transthoracic impedance (Figure 3Down). For patients with an impedance <=70 {Omega}, the cumulative efficacy of the biphasic waveform (29 of 29 patients, 100%) was equivalent to that of the monophasic waveform (27 of 28 patients, 96%; P=NS). In contrast, in patients with an impedance >70 {Omega}, the cumulative efficacy of the biphasic waveform (53 of 58 patients, 91%) was significantly greater than that of the monophasic waveform (30 of 44 patients, 68%; P=0.004). Compared with patients with an impedance <=70 {Omega} (60±8 {Omega}), patients with an impedance >70 {Omega} (86±12 {Omega}) were heavier (98±24 versus 78±12 kg, P<0.0001) and had a larger left atrium (4.8±1.0 versus 4.5±0.8 cm, P=0.04). However, no significant differences existed in weight, duration of atrial fibrillation, left atrial size, LV ejection fraction, and transthoracic impedance between patients treated with the monophasic and biphasic waveforms in either the <=70 or >70 {Omega} groups.



View larger version (16K):
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Figure 3. Effect of transthoracic impedance on cardioversion efficacy. Left, In patients with impedance <=70 {Omega}, biphasic and monophasic shocks had equivalent cumulative efficacy. Right, In patients with an impedance >70 {Omega}, biphasic shocks had significantly greater cumulative efficacy than monophasic shocks.

Use of a biphasic waveform (P=0.005), patient weight (P=0.002), and baseline transthoracic impedance (P=0.005) were univariate predictors of successful cardioversion (Table 4Down). In addition, a trend toward a lower success rate was observed in patients with a longer duration of atrial fibrillation (P=0.08). Multivariate logistic regression identified 3 variables independently associated with cardioversion success; they were shock waveform used for cardioversion (P=0.02), baseline transthoracic impedance (P=0.01), and duration of atrial fibrillation (P=0.02). The adjusted relative risks (95% confidence intervals) for cumulative efficacy were 4.2 (1.3, 13.9) for use of a biphasic shock waveform, 0.64 (0.46, 0.90) for each 10-{Omega} increase in transthoracic impedance, and 0.98 (0.97, 0.99) for each additional 30-day period of atrial fibrillation (Table 5Down).


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 4. Univariate Analysis


View this table:
[in this window]
[in a new window]
 
Table 5. Multivariate Analysis


*    Discussion
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
*Discussion
down arrowAppendix
down arrowReferences
 
The principal finding of this study is that rectilinear biphasic shocks are significantly more effective than damped sine wave monophasic shocks for the transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Use of a rectilinear biphasic waveform was the most significant independent predictor of successful cardioversion. In addition to increased efficacy, rectilinear biphasic shocks could cardiovert with markedly less delivered current. The advantage of biphasic shocks was most pronounced in patients with a transthoracic impedance >70 {Omega}.

In the 3 decades since the introduction of transthoracic electrical cardioversion, 2 alternative nonpharmacological approaches have been introduced for patients who fail the conventional cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: dual external defibrillators using an orthogonal electrode array, resulting in a 720-J defibrillator discharge,3 and internal catheter-based cardioversion.4 The limitations of these alternatives include potential muscular damage from high-energy shocks3 and the attendant inconvenience and risks of the invasive internal approach. More recently, it has been suggested that the cardioversion efficacy of damped sine wave monophasic shocks can be improved with ibutilide pretreatment.21 However, this approach is limited by the increased cost associated with the use of ibutilide and the cost and inconvenience of 3 to 4 hours of continuous electrocardiographic monitoring after cardioversion to exclude ibutilide-induced torsade de pointes. In addition, the approach may not be applicable to patients with severely depressed LV systolic function because of an increased risk of torsade de pointes in these patients. Rectilinear biphasic cardioversion has no such limitation. Our study suggests that the routine use of rectilinear biphasic shocks for the transthoracic electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation should significantly reduce the need to resort to these less desirable alternatives.

Most currently available defibrillators use a damped sine wave monophasic waveform, which is not impedance-compensated. Although the operator is required to select a particular energy setting, it is known that transthoracic current is a more precise descriptor of defibrillation threshold.22 23 Because at a given energy setting the current delivered is dependent on transthoracic impedance, excessive current may be delivered to patients with low transthoracic impedance (increased toxicity), and insufficient current may be delivered to patients with high impedance (decreased efficacy).24 In fact, in this study, higher baseline transthoracic impedance was an independent predictor of shock failure.

In contrast to the damped sine wave monophasic waveform, the rectilinear biphasic waveform is advantageous in high-impedance patients because it is relatively insensitive to changes in transthoracic impedance. This is because of impedance compensation, which ensures a constant current in the first phase. For example, the peak current delivered to a patient with a 125-{Omega} impedance from a monophasic shock is, on average, only 55% of that delivered to a patient with a 50-{Omega} impedance. In contrast, the peak current delivered by a biphasic shock to a patient with a 125-{Omega} impedance is, on average, 68% of that delivered to a patient with a 50-{Omega} impedance, thereby reducing the adverse effect of increased transthoracic impedance on delivered current.24 25 Consistent with this relationship was the increased efficacy of the rectilinear biphasic shocks observed in patients with an impedance >70 {Omega}. On the basis of the mean human transthoracic impedance of {approx}70 {Omega},24 25 the increased efficacy of rectilinear biphasic shocks is pertinent to {approx}50% of patients undergoing cardioversion.

It is important to note that increased efficacy with rectilinear biphasic shocks was achieved with significantly lower delivered current than with monophasic shocks. Previous studies during ventricular defibrillation have demonstrated that biphasic shocks, which defibrillate with less delivered current, result in less post-shock myocardial dysfunction than monophasic shocks.13 15 16 17

Prior Studies
Lown et al2 initially reported a cardioversion efficacy of {approx}90%; however, their patients differed significantly from the patients who undergo electrical cardioversion in the current era in that their patients were younger, most had rheumatic mitral valve disease, and many were receiving treatment with quinidine. In contrast, our patients were older, had a mixed cardiac origin of atrial fibrillation, and were receiving a variety of antiarrhythmic drugs, including amiodarone.

More recently, the reported efficacy of monophasic shocks for the cardioversion of atrial fibrillation has varied widely, ranging from 38% to 96%.2 3 4 5 6 26 27 This variation largely reflects differences in the baseline characteristics of patients selected for cardioversion. As in our study, prior studies have demonstrated that a longer duration of atrial fibrillation and an increased transthoracic impedance predict unsuccessful cardioversion.5 6 24 25 In this study, the superiority of the rectilinear biphasic waveform over the damped sine wave monophasic waveform was demonstrated in 2 groups who were similar at baseline with respect to variables reported to affect shock success, including weight, transthoracic impedance, and duration of atrial fibrillation.

Limitations
A potential limitation of this study is that it is not possible to extrapolate the benefit observed with the rectilinear biphasic waveform to other types of biphasic waveforms. In addition, it is unknown whether other types of monophasic waveforms, unrelated to a damped sine wave, would be associated with a higher success rate.

Conclusions
Rectilinear biphasic shocks have a significantly greater efficacy than damped sine wave monophasic shocks for the transthoracic electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Additionally, increased efficacy with rectilinear biphasic shocks is achieved with significantly less delivered current than with monophasic shocks. The combination of increased efficacy and decreased current requirements suggest that rectilinear biphasic shocks may be the preferred method for the transthoracic electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.


*    Appendix
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
up arrowDiscussion
*Appendix
down arrowReferences
 
Investigators and Participating Institutions
Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, Md: Hugh Calkins, MD (principal investigator), Rozann Hansford, RN; University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Mich: Bradley P. Knight, MD (principal investigator), Fred Morady, MD; The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY: Bruce B. Lerman, MD (principal investigator), Kenneth M. Stein, MD, Steven M. Markowitz, MD, Suneet Mittal, MD, David J. Slotwiner, MD, Marc A. Scheiner, MD, Maliza Sarmiento, RN, MA, ANP, Mary Wong, RN, MSN, ANP; MHSA Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC: Edward V. Platia, MD (principal investigator), Jean Fenton, RN, MSN, Dulce Manno, RN; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa: David Schwartzman, MD (principal investigator), Doris Cavlovich, RN, BSN; Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio: Patrick J. Tchou, MD (principal investigator), Donald R. Holmes, RN, MSN; and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC: J. Marcus Wharton, MD (principal investigator), Catherine Grill, RN, BSN.


*    Acknowledgments
 
This work was supported in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health (RO1 HL-56139) and the Zoll Medical Corporation.


*    Footnotes
 
Mr Ayati is an employee of Zoll Medical Corporation, which makes the defibrillators and gel pads used in this study. The remaining authors, including Dr Lerman who is a consultant to the Zoll Medical Corporation, do not have a financial interest in these devices.

Received July 21, 1999; revision received September 29, 1999; accepted October 12, 1999.


*    References
up arrowTop
up arrowAbstract
up arrowIntroduction
up arrowMethods
up arrowResults
up arrowDiscussion
up arrowAppendix
*References
 
1. Prystowsky EN, Benson DW Jr, Fuster V, Hart RG, Kay GN, Myerburg RJ, Naccarelli GV, Wyse DG. Management of patients with atrial fibrillation: a statement for healthcare professionals from the subcommittee on electrocardiography and electrophysiology, American Heart Association. Circulation. 1996;93:1262–1277.[Free Full Text]

2. Lown B, Perloth MG, Kaidbey S, Abe T, Harken DW. "Cardioversion" of atrial fibrillation: a report on the treatment of 65 episodes in 50 patients. N Engl J Med. 1963;269:325–331.

3. Bjerregaard P, El-Shafei A, Janosik DL, Schiller L, Quattromani A. Double external direct-current shocks for refractory atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol. 1999;83:972–974.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

4. Levy S, Lauribe P, Dolla E, Kou W, Kadish A, Calkins H, Paganelli F, Moyal C, Bremondy M, Schork A, Shyr Y, Das S, Shea M, Gupta N, Morady F. A randomized comparison of external and internal cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 1992;86:1415–1420.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

5. Van Gelder IC, Crijns HJ, Van Gilst WH, Verwer R, Lie KI. Prediction of uneventful cardioversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm from direct-current electrical cardioversion of chronic atrial fibrillation and flutter. Am J Cardiol. 1991;68:41–46.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

6. Van Gelder IC, Crijns HJGM, Tielman RG, Brugemann J, De Kam PJ, Gosselink ATM, Verheught FWA, Lie KI. Chronic atrial fibrillation: success of serial cardioversion therapy and safety of oral anticoagulation. Arch Intern Med. 1996;156:2585–2592.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

7. Fain ES, Sweeney MB, Franz MR. Improved internal defibrillation with a biphasic waveform. Am Heart J. 1989;117:358–364.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

8. Winkle RA, Mead RH, Ruder MA, Gaudiani V, Buch WS, Pless B, Sweeney M, Schmidt P. Improved low energy defibrillation efficacy in man with the use of a biphasic truncated exponential waveform. Am Heart J. 1989;117:122–127.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

9. Chapman PD, Vetter JW, Souza JJ, Troup PJ, Wetherbee JN, Hoffman RG. Comparative efficacy of monophasic and biphasic truncated exponential shocks for nonthoracotomy internal defibrillation in dogs. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1988;12:739–745.[Abstract]

10. Bardy GH, Ivey TD, Allen MD, Johnson G, Mehra R, Greene HL. A prospective randomized evaluation of biphasic versus monophasic waveform pulses on defibrillation efficacy in humans. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1989;14:728–733.[Abstract]

11. Kavanagh KM, Tang ASL, Rollins DL, Smith WM, Ideker RE. Comparison of the internal defibrillation thresholds for monophasic and double and single capacitor biphasic waveforms. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1989;14:1343–1349.[Abstract]

12. Wyse DG, Kavanagh KM, Gillis AM, Mitchell LB, Duff HJ, Sheldon RS, Kieser TM, Maitland A, Flanagan P, Rothschild J, Mehra R. Comparison of biphasic and monophasic shocks for defibrillation using a nonthoracotomy system. Am J Cardiol. 1993;71:197–202.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]

13. Bardy GH, Marchlinski FE, Sharma AD, Worley SJ, Luceri RM, Yee R, Halperin BD, Fellows CL, Ahern TS, Chilson DA, Packer DL, Wilber DJ, Mattioni TA, Reddy R, Kronmal RA, Lazzara R, for the Transthoracic Investigators. Multicenter comparison of truncated biphasic shocks and damped sine wave monophasic shocks for transthoracic ventricular defibrillation. Circulation. 1996;94:2507–2514.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

14. Mittal S, Ayati S, Stein KM, Knight BP, Morady F, Schwartzman D, Cavlovich D, Platia EV, Calkins H, Tchou PJ, Miller JM, Wharton JM, Sung RJ, Slotwiner DJ, Markowitz SM, Lerman BB. Comparison of a novel biphasic waveform with a damped sine wave monophasic waveform for transthoracic ventricular defibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1999;34:1595–1601.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

15. Jones JL, Jones RE. Decreased defibrillator-induced dysfunction with biphasic rectangular waveforms. Am J Physiol. 1984;247:H792–H796.

16. Tung L. Detrimental effects of electrical fields on cardiac muscle. Proc IEEE. 1996;84:266–378.

17. Tang W, Weil MH, Sun S, Yamaguchi H, Provoas HP, Pernat AM, Bisera J. The effects of biphasic and conventional monophasic defibrillation on postresuscitation myocardial function. J Am Coll Cardiol.. 1999;34:815–822.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

18. Manning WJ, Silverman DI, Gordon SPF, Krumholz HM, Douglas PS. Cardioversion from atrial fibrillation without prolonged anticoagulation with the use of transesophageal echocardiography to exclude the presence of atrial thrombi. N Engl J Med. 1993;328:750–755.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

19. Kerber RE, Martins JB, Kelly KJ, Ferguson DW, Kouba C, Jensen SR, Newman B, Parke JD, Kieso R, Melton J. Self-adhesive preapplied electrode pads for defibrillation and cardioversion. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1984;3:815–820.[Abstract]

20. Ewy GA. Optimal technique for electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 1992;86:1645–1647.[Free Full Text]

21. Oral H, Souza JJ, Michaud GF, Knight BP, Goyal R, Strickberger SA, Morady F. Facilitating transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation with ibutilide pretreatment. N Engl J Med. 1999;340:1849–1854.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

22. Lerman BB, DiMarco JP, Haines DE. Current-based versus energy-based ventricular defibrillation: a prospective study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1988;12:1259–1264.[Abstract]

23. Lerman BB, Halperin HR, Tsitlik JE, Brin K, Clark CW, Deale OC. Relationship between canine transthoracic impedance and defibrillation threshold: evidence for current-based defibrillation. J Clin Invest. 1987;80:797–803.

24. Kerber RE, Martins JB, Kienzle MG, Constantin L, Olshansky B, Hopson R, Charbonnier F. Energy, current, and success in defibrillation and cardioversion: clinical studies using an automated impedance-based method of energy adjustment. Circulation. 11988;5:1038–1046.

25. Kerber RE, Kouba C, Martins J, Kelly K, Low R, Hoyt R, Ferguson D, Bailey L, Bennett P, Charbonnier F. Advance prediction of transthoracic impedance in human defibrillation and cardioversion: importance of impedance in determining the success of low-energy shocks. Circulation. 1984;70:303–308.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

26. Kerber RE, Jensen SR, Grayzel J, Kennedy J, Hoyt R. Elective cardioversion: influence of paddle-electrode location and size on success rates and energy requirements. N Engl J Med. 1981;305:658–662.[Abstract]

27. Ricard P, Levy S, Trigano J, Paganelli F, Daoud E, Man KC, Strickberger SA, Morady F. Prospective assessment of the minimum energy needed for external electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol. 1997;79:815–816.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
EuropaceHome page
A. Mazza, M. G. Bendini, M. Cristofori, S. Nardi, M. Leggio, R. De Cristofaro, A. Giordano, L. Cozzari, G. Giordano, and R. Cappato
Baseline apnoea/hypopnoea index and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein for the risk of recurrence of atrial fibrillation after successful electrical cardioversion: a predictive model based upon the multiple effects of significant variables
Europace, July 1, 2009; 11(7): 902 - 909.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EuropaceHome page
M. Nabauer, A. Gerth, T. Limbourg, S. Schneider, M. Oeff, P. Kirchhof, A. Goette, T. Lewalter, U. Ravens, T. Meinertz, et al.
The Registry of the German Competence NETwork on Atrial Fibrillation: patient characteristics and initial management
Europace, April 1, 2009; 11(4): 423 - 434.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
B M Glover, S J Walsh, C J McCann, M J Moore, G Manoharan, G W N Dalzell, A McAllister, B McClements, D J McEneaney, T G Trouton, et al.
Biphasic energy selection for transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. The BEST AF Trial
Heart, July 1, 2008; 94(7): 884 - 887.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
P. Kirchhof, A. Auricchio, J. Bax, H. Crijns, J. Camm, H.-C. Diener, A. Goette, G. Hindricks, S. Hohnloser, L. Kappenberger, et al.
Outcome parameters for trials in atrial fibrillation: executive summary: Recommendations from a consensus conference organized by the German Atrial Fibrillation Competence NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA)
Eur. Heart J., November 2, 2007; 28(22): 2803 - 2817.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EuropaceHome page
P. Kirchhof, A. Auricchio, J. Bax, H. Crijns, J. Camm, H.-C. Diener, A. Goette, G. Hindricks, S. Hohnloser, L. Kappenberger, et al.
Outcome parameters for trials in atrial fibrillation: Recommendations from a consensus conference organized by the German Atrial Fibrillation Competence NETwork and the European Heart Rhythm Association
Europace, November 1, 2007; 9(11): 1006 - 1023.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EuropaceHome page
J. M. Alegret, X. Vinolas, J. Sagrista, A. Hernandez-Madrid, L. Perez, X. Sabate, L. Mont, A. Medina, and on behalf of the REVERSE Study Investigators
Predictors of success and effect of biphasic energy on electrical cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation
Europace, October 1, 2007; 9(10): 942 - 946.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
J. C. Manegold, C. W. Israel, J. R. Ehrlich, G. Duray, D. Pajitnev, F. T. Wegener, and S. H. Hohnloser
External cardioversion of atrial fibrillation in patients with implanted pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator systems: a randomized comparison of monophasic and biphasic shock energy application
Eur. Heart J., July 2, 2007; 28(14): 1731 - 1738.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EuropaceHome page
S. J. Walsh, G. Manoharan, O. J. Escalona, J. Santos, N. Evans, J. McC. Anderson, M. Stevenson, J. D. Allen, and A.A. J. Adgey
Novel rectangular biphasic and monophasic waveforms delivered by a radiofrequency-powered defibrillator compared with conventional capacitor-based waveforms in transvenous cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
Europace, October 1, 2006; 8(10): 873 - 880.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EuropaceHome page
Writing Committee Members, V. Fuster, L. E. Ryden, D. S. Cannom, H. J. Crijns, A. B. Curtis, K. A. Ellenbogen, J. L. Halperin, J.-Y. Le Heuzey, G. N. Kay, et al.
ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: full text: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on practice guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the 2001 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) Developed in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association and the Heart Rhythm Society
Europace, September 1, 2006; 8(9): 651 - 745.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
N. Dagres, G. Karatasakis, F. Panou, G. Athanassopoulos, T. Maounis, E. Tsougos, K. Kourea, I. Malakos, D. Th. Kremastinos, and D. V. Cokkinos
Pre-treatment with Irbesartan attenuates left atrial stunning after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation
Eur. Heart J., September 1, 2006; 27(17): 2062 - 2068.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
V. Fuster, L. E. Ryden, D. S. Cannom, H. J. Crijns, A. B. Curtis, K. A. Ellenbogen, J. L. Halperin, J.-Y. Le Heuzey, G. N. Kay, J. E. Lowe, et al.
ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the 2001 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) Developed in Collaboration With the European Heart Rhythm Association and the Heart Rhythm Society
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., August 15, 2006; 48(4): e149 - e246.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
V. Fuster, L. E. Ryden, D. S. Cannom, H. J. Crijns, A. B. Curtis, K. A. Ellenbogen, J. L. Halperin, J.-Y. Le Heuzey, G. N. Kay, J. E. Lowe, et al.
ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the 2001 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation): Developed in Collaboration With the European Heart Rhythm Association and the Heart Rhythm Society
Circulation, August 15, 2006; 114(7): e257 - e354.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EuropaceHome page
S. Stec, A. Gorecki, B. Zaborska, and P. Kulakowski
A simple point score system for predicting the efficacy of external rectilinear biphasic cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation.
Europace, April 1, 2006; 8(4): 297 - 301.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
CirculationHome page
Part 5: Electrical Therapies: Automated External Defibrillators, Defibrillation, Cardioversion, and Pacing
Circulation, December 13, 2005; 112(24_suppl): IV-35 - IV-46.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ChestHome page
P. McKeown and A. E. Epstein
Future Directions: American College of Chest Physicians Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery
Chest, August 1, 2005; 128(2_suppl): 61S - 64S.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
S. J. Walsh, D. McCarty, A. J.J. McClelland, C. G. Owens, T. G. Trouton, M. T. Harbinson, S. O'Mullan, A. McAllister, B. M. McClements, M. Stevenson, et al.
Impedance compensated biphasic waveforms for transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a multi-centre comparison of antero-apical and antero-posterior pad positions
Eur. Heart J., July 1, 2005; 26(13): 1298 - 1302.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
P. Kirchhof, G. Monnig, K. Wasmer, A. Heinecke, G. Breithardt, L. Eckardt, and D. Bocker
A trial of self-adhesive patch electrodes and hand-held paddle electrodes for external cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (MOBIPAPA)
Eur. Heart J., July 1, 2005; 26(13): 1292 - 1297.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EuropaceHome page
P. Zohar, M. Kovacic, M. Brezocnik, and M. Podbregar
Prediction of maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation by non-deterministic modelling
Europace, January 1, 2005; 7(5): 500 - 507.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EuropaceHome page
C. Sticherling, S. Behrens, W. Kamke, A. Stahn, and M. Zabel
Comparison of acute and long-term effects of single-dose amiodarone and verapamil for the treatment of immediate recurrences of atrial fibrillation after transthoracic cardioversion
Europace, January 1, 2005; 7(6): 546 - 553.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
P J B Hubner, S Gupta, and I McClellan
Simplified cardioversion service with intravenous midazolam
Heart, December 1, 2004; 90(12): 1447 - 1449.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
A A J Adgey and S J Walsh
Theory and practice of defibrillation: (1) Atrial fibrillation and DC conversion
Heart, December 1, 2004; 90(12): 1493 - 1498.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
D Pavin, H Legrand, C Leclercq, C Crocq, P Mabo, and J C Daubert
Transvenous low energy internal cardioversion for atrial fibrillation refractory to external cardioversion: do non-obese patients benefit?
Heart, March 1, 2004; 90(3): 332 - 333.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
K. S. Channer, A. Birchall, R. P. Steeds, S. J. Walters, W. W. Yeo, J. N. West, R. Muthusamy, W. E. Rhoden, B. T. Saeed, P. Batin, et al.
A randomized placebo-controlled trial of pre-treatment and short- or long-term maintenance therapy with amiodarone supporting DC cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation
Eur. Heart J., January 2, 2004; 25(2): 144 - 150.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
ANN INTERN MEDHome page
R. L. McNamara, L. J. Tamariz, J. B. Segal, and E. B. Bass
Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Review of the Evidence for the Role of Pharmacologic Therapy, Electrical Cardioversion, and Echocardiography
Ann Intern Med, December 16, 2003; 139(12): 1018 - 1033.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
HeartHome page
M Scholten, T Szili-Torok, P Klootwijk, and L Jordaens
Comparison of monophasic and biphasic shocks for transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation
Heart, September 1, 2003; 89(9): 1032 - 1034.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Eur Heart J SupplHome page
Ph. Ricard, K. Yaici, J.P. Rinaldi, M. Bergonzi, and N. Saoudi
Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: how and when?
Eur. Heart J. Suppl., September 1, 2003; 5(suppl_H): H40 - H44.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
Postgrad. Med. J.Home page
S K S Lairikyengbam, M H Anderson, and A G Davies
Present treatment options for atrial fibrillation
Postgrad. Med. J., February 1, 2003; 79(928): 67 - 73.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
J CARDIOVASC PHARMACOL THERHome page
C. Sticherling, M. Ozaydin, H. Tada, H. Oral, F. Pelosi, B. P. Knight, S. A. Strickberger, and F. Morady
Comparison of Verapamil and Ibutilide for the Suppression of Immediate Recurrences of Atrial Fibrillation after Transthoracic Cardioversion
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, September 1, 2002; 7(3): 155 - 160.
[Abstract] [PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
R. L. Page, R. E. Kerber, J. K. Russell, T. Trouton, J. Waktare, D. Gallik, J. E. Olgin, P. Ricard, G. W. Dalzell, R. Reddy, et al.
Biphasic versus monophasic shock waveform for conversion of atrial fibrillation: The results of an international randomized, double-blind multicenter trial
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., June 19, 2002; 39(12): 1956 - 1963.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical SciencesHome page
W. S. Aronow
Management of the Older Person With Atrial Fibrillation
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., June 1, 2002; 57(6): M352 - 363.
[Abstract] [Full Text]


Home page
Eur Heart JHome page
Guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation. A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines and Policy Conferences (Committee to develop guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation) developed in collaboration with the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology
Eur. Heart J., October 2, 2001; 22(20): 1852 - 1923.
[PDF]


Home page
J Am Coll CardiolHome page
V. Fuster, L. E. Ryden, R. W. Asinger, D. S. Cannom, H. J. Crijns, R. L. Frye, J. L. Halperin, G. N. Kay, W. W. Klein, S. Levy, et al.
ACC/AHA/ESC guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines and Policy Conferences (Committee to Develop Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation) Developed in Collaboration With the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology
J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., October 1, 2001; 38(4): 1266 - 1266.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
NEJMHome page
R. H. Falk
Atrial Fibrillation
N. Engl. J. Med., April 5, 2001; 344(14): 1067 - 1078.
[Full Text] [PDF]


Home page
EuropaceHome page
H. J. G. M. Crijns
Internal cardioversion as a first-line method of cardioversion?
Europace, January 1, 2001; 3(1): 2 - 3.
[PDF]


Home page
JWatch Emergency Med.Home page
Biphasic Better Than Monophasic Shock in AF?
Journal Watch Emergency Medicine, June 1, 2000; 2000(601): 3 - 3.
[Full Text]


Home page
Journal Watch CardiologyHome page
No Shock That Biphasics Are Better for Cardioversion of AF
Journal Watch Cardiology, May 5, 2000; 2000(505): 9 - 9.
[Full Text]


This Article
Right arrow Abstract Freely available
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowRequest Permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Mittal, S.
Right arrow Articles by Lerman, B. B.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Mittal, S.
Right arrow Articles by Lerman, B. B.
Right arrowPubmed/NCBI databases
Medline Plus Health Information
*Atrial Fibrillation
Related Collections
Right arrow Ablation/ICD/surgery