For atrial fibrillation DC-cardioversion is still the most effective method for the restauration of the normal sinus rhythm. Its estimated success rate is between 70-90%, it depends on a lot of factors concerning the patient and the technique. Impart of superiority of the biphasic shock opposite to the monophasic shock from the aspect of necessitating less energy for cardioversion, we effectuated a study comparing these two forms of DC-shock, observing if the superiority of the biphasic shock persists even when occasionally we used hybrid therapy (antiarrhythmic premedication). The study effectuated in 106 patients (in 72 pts we used monophasic DC-shock and in 34 pts biphasic DC-shock) confirmed the superiority of the biphasic shock by reducing the necessary energy for cardioversion with 49,9%, but not by improving the succes rate of the cardioversion.
Keywords: electrical cardioversion, monophasic shock, biphasic shock, atrial fibrillation