[Programmed transesophageal electrostimulation of the left atrium].

In 34 patients with complex arrhythmias and conduction disturbances, programmed transesophageal electric stimulation of the left atrium was performed to determine the sinoatrial conduction time, relative refractory period of the atrioventricular conducting system, effective refractory period of the atrioventricular conducting system, that of the atria, that of an accessory tract in the Wolff-Parkinson--White syndrome, and stimulation parameters to trigger and reverse supraventricular tachicardia in order to define its mechanism. Potentials of a new noninvasive method of study are discussed.