Resolution of atrial fibrillation with induction of general anesthesia: A case report

Jeon, Joon Pyo; Lee, Serin; Lee, Yoonki

Case Report

Anesthetic Pharmacology

Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2009;4(4):306-309.
Published online October 31, 2009.

Resolution of atrial fibrillation with induction of general anesthesia: A case report

Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. yklee@catholic.ac.kr

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias in everyday life, and it is responsible for substantial mortality and morbidity in the general population.When atrial fibrillation is first noticed and it persists for a long time, it will be more difficulty to control and it will recur more often.A 58-year old female patient was scheduled for surgery due to the increased size of an intracranial arteriovenous malformation.During the preparation of anesthesia, we noticed the presence of atrial fibrillation.After about 2 hours of sedation and consultation, we decide to proceed with the surgery. With the induction of anesthesia by using thiopental sodium, we observed the rapid conversion of atrial fibrillation to sinus tachycardia.During the maintenance of anesthesia, the patient showed normal sinus rhythm and the surgery was completed without complications.

Key Words: Atrial fibrillation, General anesthesia, Thiopental sodium