ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES DURING PROFOUND HYPOTHERMIA

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Abstract
During the induction of deep hypothermia in 14 cases, normal sinus rhythm first showed, then changed to atrial fibrillation, and finally to ventricular fibrillation. During a period of complete circulatory arrest at a pharyngeal temperature of between 13 and 18[degree]C, ventricular fibrillation was usually replaced by asystole and this was often interrupted by regular or irregular ventricular electrical complexes and occasionally by ventricular contractions. During the warming phase, ventricular fibrillation usually reappeared. Electrical defibrillation during warming was followed by bizarre ventricular complexes, atrial fibrillation, or nodal rhythm, before the return of normal sinus rhythm.