Korean J Anesthesiol.  2002 Feb;42(2):245-248. 10.4097/kjae.2002.42.2.245.

Conversion to Normal Sinus Rhythm by Propofol during Electrical Cardioversion in Atrial Flutter and Idiopathic Ventricular Tarchycardia

• Kim TJ
• Han JU
• Chung CK
• Heo YH
• Lee SK
• Lee CS
• Lee HS
• Cha YD
• Lim HK

• KMID: 2039812
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2002.42.2.245

Abstract

There are a few case reports describing conversion to normal sinus rhythm after a propofol injection in tachyarrhythmic patients. We managed two cases of 52 year old males complaining of chest pain and dyspnea. We diagnosed them with atrial flutter and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia respectively. Initially they were treated with antiarrhythmic drugs but conversion to normal sinus rhythm was not achieved. Therefore, we decided to use electrical cardioversion. For sedation during electrical cardioversion, we injected propofol 2 mg/kg and 2% lidocaine 1 mg/kg. A few seconds later, conversion to normal sinus rhythm was achieved without electrical cardioversion in both cases. Thereafter normal sinus rhythm continued on the ECG and they were discharged.

Keyword

Atrial flutter; idiopathic ventricular tachycardia; propofol

MeSH Terms

Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
Atrial Flutter*
Chest Pain
Dyspnea
Electric Countershock*
Electrocardiography
Humans
Lidocaine
Male
Middle Aged
Propofol*
Tachycardia, Ventricular
Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
Lidocaine
Propofol