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Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 12, 288-297, Copyright © 1965 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Light Halothane Anaesthesia without Muscle Relaxants for Atrial Defibrillation by External Direct-Current Shocks

ANDRÉ McCLISH MD, FRCP(C)1, J P DESPRÉS MD, FRCS(C)1, and J P DÉCHÊNE MD1

1 Departments of Anaesthesiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Hôpital Laval and Institut de Cardiologie de Québec, Quebec, P Q

A technique of light general anaesthesia without muscle relaxant using halothane-nitrous oxide-oxygen has been described for atrial defibrillation by external direct-current shock. Atropine was omitted from the pre-anaesthetic medication. Endotracheal intubation was not performed.

Twenty-four cardiac patients in chronic atrial fibrillation have been anaesthetized by this technique with satisfactory results. Most of them have been operated upon previously for mitral stenosis and were found to be refractory afterwards to treatment with quinidine. There was no complication in connection with anaesthesia or atrial defibrillation.

The advantage of halothane over repeated doses of thiopental, either alone or associated with succinylcholine, have been evident in our study, especially in cases when additional shocks were necessary, or prolonged haemodynamic studies had to be done. With halothane, it was easier to maintain a light and steady level of anaesthesia without fear of serious cardiorespiratory depression. In our opinion, this technique of light general anaesthesia without muscle relaxation provides the greatest margin of safety and comfort to the patient who needs cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.

Note:

Presented before the Canadian Anaesthetists' Society, May 14, 1964, at Montebello, P Q






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Copyright © 1965 by the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society.