Comparison of rectilinear biphasic waveform energy versus truncated exponential biphasic waveform energy for transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

Success rates of cardioversion with a defibrillator using the truncated exponential biphasic waveform (with a maximum energy of 360 J) and a defibrillator using the rectilinear biphasic waveform (with a maximum energy of 200 J) were randomly compared in 145 patients. Success rates at 50, 100, 150, and 200 J were not significantly different, but 2 patients who did not achieve cardioversion after a 200-J maximum energy shock by the rectilinear device underwent successful cardioversion with a 360-J shock by the truncated exponential device after crossover.