ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC STUDIES DURING OPERATION FOR COARCTATION OF THE AORTA

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Abstract
Ecgs. during operation of 10 patients with coarctation of the aorta showed tachycardia (including nodal tachycardia in 2 instances, ectopic ventricular beats, prolongation of P-R interval, QRS abnormalities, S-T depression, and T wave changes). Normal sinus rhythm was present in all, except for one case having slow sinus arrhythmia with occasional nodal escapes. The most uniform change was increase in heart rate. In 2 patients the pacemaker shifted from the sinus node to the A-V node with the nodal rhythm at a faster rate than the preceding sinus rhythm. During the release of the clamps and subsequently during the closure of the chest, the ecg. generally showed evidence of improvement.