[High-frequency electrostimulation of the atrium in therapy of atrial flutter in patients pre-treated with amiodarone].

Twenty-four consecutive episodes of atrial flutter in 20 patients were treated with overdrive atrial pacing after a pre-treatment with oral Amiodarone. This technique was effective in interrupting the arrhythmia in 23 instances (95,8%). Normal sinus rhythm was restored in 22 cases: in 18 of then (75%) it appeared immediately at the end of stimulation and in 4 after a short intervening period of atrial fibrillation. In accordance with the experience of other authors, the combined pharmacological and electrical treatment provides a higher rate of conversion of atrial flutter into normal sinus rhythm and a lower rate of early relapses of the arrhythmia.