Transient Ventricular Fibrillation

Abstract

Procaine amide was given intravenously to three patients with transient ventricular fibrillation during established auriculoventricular dissociation at a time when they were free from symptoms as well as during the attacks. It was determined that this drug has a transitory slowing effect upon the auricles. It depresses rhythmicity in the auriculoventricular node, prolongs the refractory period of the ventricles, results in intraventricular conduction disturbance and the development of premature beats of the ventricles followed by the various forms of ventricular acceleration leading to ventricular fibrillation. Because of these alterations in heart rhythms, procaine amide is contraindicated in the treatment of such patients.