LIGHT HALOTHANE ANAESTHESIA WITHOUT MUSCLE RELAXANTS FOR ATRIAL DEFIBRILLATION BY EXTERNAL DIRECT-CURRENT SHOCKS.

Abstract

A technique of light general anaesthesia without muscle relaxant using halo-thanenitrous oxide-oxygen has been described for atnal 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 qumidme There was no complication in connection with anaesthesia or atrial defibnllation 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 haemodyrlamic studies had to be done With halothane, it was easier to maintain a light and steady level of anaesthesia without fear of serious cardioiespiratory 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