[First experiences with the effect of low-energy electric impulse on the atrioventricular junction in various types of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia].

Efficient treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular reciprocal tachycardias (nodal and orthodromal) was studied in 29 patients by applying low-energy discharges (mean 2.3 +/- 0.1 kV) to the area of the atrioventricular junction. Late results of the treatment were assessed 7-22 months later. Cessation of tachycardia paroxysms was observed in 10 patients, their lower frequency (by more than 50%) was seen in 14 cases. The value of discharge energy, their numbers, relations between potential amplitudes produced by atria and His' bundle, feasibility of paroxysm induction, presence or absence of bundle-branch block were not prognostic criteria for efficiency of this mode of therapy in the present investigation. In the authors' opinion, the method is promising in the treatment of atrioventricular nodal and orthodromal paroxysmal tachycardias.