The Prognostic Value of Right Atrium Monophasic Action Potential after Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation

. After conversion of atrial fibrillation right atrium monophasic action potentials have been recorded in 45 patients, using a bedside suction technique. In 30 patients who reached sinus rhythm after DC shock, a good correlation was, found between the duration of monophasic action potential and the sinus rhythm stability during a follow-up period of six months. In 8 patients still in sinus rhythm after six months and in 15 patients who reached sinus rhythm spontaneously, the duration of monophasic action potential was in the normal range. In 22 patients who relapsed into atrial fibrillation during the follow-up period, the maintenance of sinus rhythm was closely related with the duration of the monophasic action potential, which was shorter than in stable sinus rhythm. The duration of monophasic action potential after conversion of atrial fibrillation has a prognostic value for the maintenance of sinus rhythm, and when its duration is short a conservative treatment instead of repeated DC shocks may be considered.